Revelations Cup Mexico 1 Nigeria 0 : Super Falcons concede late goal in loss to La Tri :: All Nigeria Soccer

Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the early hours of Thursday began their campaign in the Revelations Cup invitational tournament on a losing note at the Leon Stadium as they were beaten 1-0 by the hosts, Mexico.

The team were without inspirational Barcelona striker, Asisat Oshoala who was unable to join the team’s abode on time for the game.

The Super Falcons were not keen to chase the game from behind and as way early as the 5th minute of the match, stand-in captain, Rasheedat Ajibade made an early clearance as the Mexicans threatened to score.

Nigeria soon had their own chance through Toni Payne but the chance went begging. It was quite an encouraging start for both sides.

Falcons striker, Ifeoma Onumonu brilliant free kick at the edge of the Mexican box 10 minutes into the match but the defensive wall of the north Americans cleared the ball to safety.

Both sides observed a water break but at the resumption of play at the half hour mark, the Falcons saw more attacking chances but lacked the cutting edge to punish their opponents.

The Falcons were lucky to escape conceding possibly the opening goal in the 34th minute through Lizabeth Ovalle who missed a sitter.

The Nigerian side suffered a setback before the halftime break as defender, Rofiat Imuran was stretchered off and replaced by Glory Ogbonna.

Ogbonna, barely two minutes after coming on, received a yellow card for a bad foul.

Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie made an important save to deny Anika Rodriguez from distance, four minutes into added time.

Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum made two changes after the restart, bringing in the duo of Uchenna Kanu and Jennifer Echegili for Francesca Ordega and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

In the 57th minute, Nigeria won a free kick in a dangerous position but Ajibade couldn’t make her effort count.

Lizabeth Ovalle missed a sitter for Mexico much to the relief of the Nigerians players and officials.

With 20 minutes to go, Christy Ucheibe required medical attention after a foul on her.

Glory Ogbonna was replaced in the 84th minute by Michelle Alozie. Shortly afterwards, Kiana Palacios broke the deadlock and put Mexico ahead.

The nine-time African champions will seek to bounce back when they face Colombia in their second game on Saturday.

Izuchukwu Michael

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