Falcons muzzle Lionesses

 Super Falcons of Nigeria opened their 2012 African Women’s Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

The defending champions started the first half the brighter of the two sides, dominating the Central African side for the most part of the half.



The waterlogged pitch made it difficult for both sides to play their best football; a situation Perpetua Nkwocha says hindered the Nigerian side.

“The pitch was waterlogged and it affected us a bit. Thankfully we had played under such conditions in the past and we were able to come out on top”, she said.

Defensive midfielder Onyinyechi Ohadugha registered Nigeria’s first goal at the stroke of half time with a well-taken shot from outside the box.

The second half saw fortunes change as a penalty was awarded against the Super Falcons when Perpetua Nkwocha was adjudged to have fouled a Cameroonian in the box. Defender Patience Manie stepped up for Cameroon and converted the spot-kick to make it 1-1 in the 52nd minute.

Nkwocha made it 2-1 with five minutes left on the clock to hand the Falcons the three points.

Coach Kadiri Ikhana expressed his delight with the result, saying: “It is a good start despite the fact that the pitch was very wet and we couldn’t play our normal game. Our opposition was also a very tough one but the girls were determined and played like they really wanted to win the game. I am very happy with the team’s performance and the result.”

Ikhana also commended Nkwocha who scored the second goal for the Falcons, opening her account as she bids to score 15 goals in this year’s tournament. “Perpetua played like Africa’s best player today. She really did a fantastic job and she was very impressive.” The Super Falcons will play Ethiopia on Thursday November 1 at the Bata Stadium by 5.30pm and the coach assures that the team will approach the game with same zeal.

“We have now seen the competition and we know how tight it is. No games will be easy and we will approach the game against Ethiopia like we did with Cameroon. We must win that game to book our place in the semi-finals.”