The Super Falcons of Nigeria secured a comfortable 2-1 win against Haiti’s Les Grenadiers in a friendly match played in Turkey on Friday.
Esther Okoronkwo scored in the first half through a direct freekick, and Asisat Oshoala scored the second goal before a poor communication at the back gifted Haiti the chance to reduce the deficit to one.
It is now back-to-back victories for the Super Falcons who also defeated Costa Rica 1-0 in an international friendly back in February.
Nigerians may want to take this outcome for granted and say things like ‘it is just Haiti’, well, it was not just Haiti.
Haiti’s Les Grenadiers are not just any team, they are one of the teams participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, they are in Group D alongside England, Denmark and China.
To qualify for their maiden FIFA World finals, they defeated our West African neighbours Senegal 4-0 in their first playoff game, and shocked Chile 2-1 in the final.
We don’t have to celebrate the victory but the manner the Super Falcons did it should be considered and celebrated.
If you have been following the Super Falcons, especially under Randy Waldrum this is their best ever. It was more about little details.
Their passing game, I saw a Super Falcons team stringing more than two passes. They played with purpose, fighting spirit, and determination.
Defended very well at the back until the lack of communication that led to the goal, they attacked as a unit.
I saw a style of play, they had a plan and executed it, and they didn’t rush the play or their usual kick-and-follow.
This is a positive step considering how they had played in their previous games.
Now, the bigger test awaits them against FIFA World Cup co-host New Zealand on Tuesday.
Nigeria v New Zealand Time, Date, and Venue
🎮 Nigeria 🇳🇬 v New Zealand 🇳🇿
📅 Tuesday, 11th April
🏟 Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey
⏲ 2 pm Nigerian time
