Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated 3-0 by Norway in World Cup opener

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been hammered 3-0 by Norway in their opening Group A match of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in Reims, France on Saturday.

The 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations champions started brightly with defender Osinachi Ohale testing the Norwegian goalkeeper as early as the 2nd minute from a corner but were pegged back when Norway got their first goal in the 17th minute through midfielder Guro Reiten.

Forward Lisa-Marie Utland powered in Norway’s second goal of the night in the 34rd minute while an own goal from Falcons defender Onome Ebi in the 37th ensured that the Norwegians went into the break with a 3 – 0 lead.

The Falcons were more formidable after the break as they held off a flurry of attacks from the Norwegians to ensure that the goal line remained the same.

The Falcons will face South Korea in their next fixture at the World Cup on Wednesday before slugging it out against hosts France on June 17.

Fellow Africans South Africa’s Bayana Bayana lost 3-1 to Spain in their opening match against Spain in Group B.