Heartbreak for Nigeria As Super Falcons Concede Late Equalizer in 2:2 Draw Against Canada

Heartbreak for Nigeria As Super Falcons Concede Late Equalizer in 2:2 Draw Against Canada

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:00 PM
  • The Super Falcons failed to win both legs of their two international friendly games against Canada after conceding a late goal to the North Americans
  • On 88 minutes, Canada's perseverance paid off as Shelina Zadorsky's header from a cross beat the outstanding Nnadozie to tie the game up at 2-2
  • The Olympic champions won the first encounter between the two teams 2-0 on Saturday in Vancouver

The Super Falcons put up a spirited display in their final friendly game against Canada but were left disappointed following a late equalizer from the Olympic champions, Pulse Sports reports.

Ifeoma Onumonu gave Nigeria a first-half lead as she scored as early as the 5th minute with a brilliant back-heeled effort from a setpiece that ended in the back of the net.

Nigeria, Super Falcons, Canada, International friendly, Olympic champions
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been on a friendly tour of Canada. Photo by Maja Hitij
Source: Getty Images

A defensive blunder from the captain, Onome Ebi, in the 49th minute cost the Super Falcons their lead as Christine Sinclair made it 1-1 after taking the ball off the defender to equalize.

Rashidat Ajibade restored Nigeria’s lead in the 53rd minute as her intended cross into the 18-yard box flew into the net of the Canadians.

The Super Falcons failed to hold on to the lead and were left disappointed as they conceded a late equalizer in the 88th minute through Shelina Zadorsky’s header from a cross that beat Falcons goalkeeper, Nnadozie to bring the score to 2-2.

Nigeria will take some pride from the display of the Super Falcons as they showed massive improvement from the first friendly game against the Olympic champions, where they lost 2-0.

Waldrum says lots of inaccurate reports about Super Falcons captain issue

Meanwhile, the coach of the Super Falcons, Randy Waldrum has refused to be drawn into the debate of the captaincy tussle in the Nigeria women’s senior team.

According to Soccernet, Waldrum has accused the Nigerian media of reporting many inaccuracies on the issue.

Since September 2019, Asisat Oshola has led the Super Falcons as captain but was stripped of the role with the captain’s armband offered to the veteran defender, Onome Ebi.

Super Falcons move two steps up on FIFA World rankings

Earlier, Sports Brief reported the Super Falcons have climbed two spots in the latest FIFA World Rankings, moving from their 41st position to 39th after it was released on Friday, March 25.

The Nigerian ladies completed a double over the Lady Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire in February which was practically responsible for their upward movement on the rankings.

Super Falcons, who are the current African champions, remain the number one best team on the continent followed by Cameroon, Ghana, and South Africa.

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Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..
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