Super Eagles

Uchenna Kanu on target as Super Falcons come close to upset world champions USA

Uchenna Kanu scored a great goal as the Super Falcons of Nigeria come very close to upsetting the world champions, USA in a friendly game on Wednesday.

After a 4-0 defeat in the first friendly against four-time world champions, USA at the Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, Falcons knew they need to step up and they did.

A brace from Sophia Smith and one each by Lindsay Horan and Alex Morgan handed the USA women National Senior the 4-0 win in the first encounter.

But Super Falcons came prepared in the second game and fought a good fight at the RFK Stadium at the Audi Field.

Nigeria were on the back foot during the earlier exchanges and conceded a goal when U-20 captain Tosin Demehin scored an own goal in the 24th minute.

The Super Falcons tried to play themselves back into the game but they were let down by their passes in the final third.

At halftime, the own goal was the only thing that separated both teams.

Five minutes into the second half, Uchenna Kanu who was brought on by coach Randy Waldrum scored a superb curler five minutes after coming on.

Uchenna Kanu goal

Uchenna Kanu’s goal for Nigeria was the first scored by a CAF team against the USA since the 2000 Olympics when they defeated Nigeria 7-1.

The goal also ended USA’s 880 minutes without conceding a goal.

Nigeria continue to push while they defend against the number one women’s team in the world.

But it was the USA who got the winning goal when substitute Megan Rapinoe teed up Rose Lavelle in the 66 minutes for the goal.

While Nigeria did not win the game against the world number one in front of their fans, they showed a serious sign of improvement.

Even if they have a lot of improvement to make in terms of passes in the final third, good deliveries from the full-backs, Super Falcons looked like a team with a plan for the most part of the second half.

USA v Nigeria head-to-head

USA 2-1 NGA | Friendly, 2022
USA 4-0 NGA | Friendly, 2022
USA 2-0 NGA | Friendly, 2021
NGA 0-1 USA | WWC, 2015
NGA 0-1 USA | WWC, 2007
USA 5-0 Nigeria | WWC, 2003
USA 7-1 NGA | Olympics,2000

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