Nigeria 3 New Zealand 0 : Ebi, Echegini, Oparanozie on target as Falcons extend winning streak

Nine-time African champions Nigeria extended their winning streak to three matches after thrashing New Zealand 3-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday afternoon.

The win over the Ferns in Antalya, Turkey makes it the second win in a spate of four days for the team as they Intensify preparations for the tournament which starts in 99 days time.

There were  early threats from the Ferns but the Super Falcons managed to contain and push for an early lead.

The Falcons defence team led by skipper Onome Ebi was solid and repelled attacks by the New Zealand side. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was also impressive.

Barcelona Femenii star Asisat Oshoala won a free kick on the edge of the box 15 minutes into the game but Esther Okoronkwo could not find the right angle to the net.

Nnadozie was at her best to deny the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup co-hosts from breaking the deadlock five minutes later with her brilliant save off a corner kick.

Few seconds after the keeper's save, the Falcons almost opened their account but forward Rasheedat Ajibade missed narrowly with a left footed shot.

In the 28th minute, New Zealand were close enough to getting a goal but the impressive Jennifer Onyinye Echegini cleared the ball out of danger.

Oshoala was denied a chance to put her name on the scoresheet but there was no stopping Onome Ebi whose 34th minute looping header sailed into the net from a Toni Payne corner kick.

A sloppy piece of defending almost gifted Oshoala the second of the game for Nigeria but the ball was cleared.

However from a pinpoint cross in the 49th minute by Michelle Alozie, Echegini bundled home the ball from close range.

The game was temporarily halted as a New Zealand player had to receive medical attention from the medics.

Old warhorse, Desire Oparanozie is introduced in the 50th minute in place of Esther Okoronkwo while Gift Monday came off the bench with 15 minutes left on the clock for Asisat Oshoala.

It was the turn of Ngozi Okobi-Oghene to come on eight minutes to fulltime for Toni Payne.

Oparanozie made it 3-0 just before the fulltime with another close range finish.

Izuchukwu Michael

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