Super Falcons get their World Cup campaign off to thrilling start drawing 3-3 with Sweden

NIGERIA'S Super Falcons have got their World Cup campaign off to a thrilling start playing a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sweden at the Winnipeg Stadium in Canada last night that saw them come from behind twice to grab a point.

 

Getting Group D, tagged the group of death off to a start, the Falcons wooed the crowd in Winnipeg with their pace, panache and flair, which had all the neutrals rooting for them. By far the more entertaining, flambouyant and exciting side, the Falcons would have clinched all three points were it not for their shortcomings at the back.

 

Despite playing better and having more of the ball, the Falcons went in two goals down at the break due to their inability to defend set pieces. They conceded two avoidable goals from corners despite having the Swedes on the back foot for much of the first quarter of an hour.

 

An unfortunate own goal from Desire Oparanozie gave the Swedes the lead 20 minutes into the match after Emma Berglund’s flicked header from a corner kick was redirected into Nigeria’s net by the strikers chest. A poor clearance off another Swedish corner made it 2-0 10 minutes later allowing Nilla Fischer to tap the ball into an empty net after it made its way through the crowd.

 

However, Nigeria’s front line refused to go quiet in spite of these setbacks and just after the break two goals in quick succession levelled matters. Ngozi Okobi’s brilliant first touch afforded her plenty of room and space before coolly firing past Hedvig Lindahl in the Swedish goal.

 

Three minutes later, Asisat Oshoala, the golden shoe winner at last year's U20 Women’s World Cup opened her account for this tournament with a fine individual effort after a well-played long ball from Onome Ebi. After levelling and dominating play, the Falcons, however, went to sleep at the back again, allowing the Swedes to take the lead seven minutes later.

 

Sembrant handed the lead back to Sweden after good build-up play on the left side resulted in Lina Nilsson crossing the ball, enabling the substitute to direct it past goalkeeper Precious Dede with her thigh. However, Francisca Ordega salvaged a point for the Super Falcons three minutes from time with a shot that managed to slip through the legs of Lindahl, ended a thrilling game.

 

Oparanozie said: “This draw feels like a win and the support from the fans really did help as it motivated us a whole lot. It was a good thing knowing that the crowd was behind us.

 

"They wanted to see us score and they wanted to see us do more. That really made us push harder and give our all.” 

 

Nigeria now faces Australia's women's team known as the Matildas in Friday and then play the USQA in their third game next Tuesday. Yesterday, Australia lost their opening game to the favourites, the USA 1-3.