Rasheedat Ajibade Shines As Nigeria Win 3-1 Against Canada

The Falconets of Nigeria came from behind to produce an excellent result in Papua New Guinea 2016 by beating Canada 3-1 in Port Moresby.

The richly deserved win has left the Africans with the chance to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Nigeria next face top-of-the-table Spain in Group B, while Canada next meet Japan on 20 November.

Peter Dedevbo’s wards had come into the game low on confidence from being at the receiving end of a 6-0 thumping by Japan in their opening game.

Nigeria were pegged back throughout the opening exchanges and it was no surprise with 16 minutes played, Danny Worthington’s team took an early lead.

A well-worked goal it was too, with Rose in the role of creator. The No 6 slipped a clever first-time pass through for Carle and, having sized up the angles, the midfielder arrowed a precise low shot in off the inside of the far post.

The Falconets rarely threatened during a forgettable opening 20 minutes but it was a different story before the break, when they began to lay siege to the Canadian goal.

Bianca St Georges was penalised for handling the ball inside the box, with Nasarawa Amazons playmaker Chinaza Uchendu stepping up and converting the spot-kick with Foster guessing right and still finding herself unable to keep out the precise and powerful side-foot finish.

First half of the explosive game ended one goal apiece.

A minute after the break, another  goal did arrive to reward Nigeria for their industry.

After a deflection, the ball arrived at the path of Joy Bokiri who sent her effort beyond goalkeeper Foster.

Nigeria, though, remained dangerous and it was no more than they deserved when they snatched a winner with 17 minutes remaining.

The goal came from Chinwendu Ihezuo. The BIIK Kazygurt scored off an interception from Foster’s pass.

Rasheedat Ajibade was voted as the player of the match.

Falconets Starters: Onyinyechi Okeke, Kemi Famuditi, Mary Ologbosere, Glory Ogbonna, Ogechi Ukwuoma, Ugochi Emenayo, Onyebuchi Ihuoma, Joy Bokiri, Chinaza Uchendu, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Rasheedat Ajibade

Canada Starters: Foster, Moreirah, Taylor, Rose, Levasseur, Stratigakis, Carle, Mousset, Regan, St Georges, Amontagne

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : fifa.com