International friendly: France edge impressive Super Falcons 2-1 in Angers

By Tosin Omojola

France’s Les Bleues narrowly defeated the Super Falcons of Nigeria 2-1 in a gritty international friendly played under frosty and misty conditions at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers on Saturday night.

The nine-time African champions began the match with promise, showing determination to challenge the hosts. Early on, Marie-Antoinette Katoto found the net in the 7th minute, but her effort was correctly ruled offside.

Veteran forward Eugénie Le Sommer, earning her 197th cap for Les Bleues, opened the scoring in the 29th minute with her 94th international goal. Just eight minutes later, Tunisia-born Amel Majri doubled France’s lead, slotting past goalkeeper and stand-in captain Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The high point for Nigeria came in first-half stoppage time, as they scored their first-ever goal against Les Bleues. Following a cleared French corner, Spain-based Gift Monday launched a counterattack, setting up gangly Montpellier forward Ifeoma Onumonu, who calmly finished to make history for the Super Falcons.

Missing key players Rasheedat Ajibade and Oluwatosin Demehin due to injuries, the Falcons faced an uphill battle but remained resolute. The second half saw spirited efforts from the Nigerian side, led by the impressive Nnadozie, who made a crucial save from Delphine Cascarino shortly after the restart.

As the game progressed, Majri’s 20-yard free-kick sailed over the bar, while Nigeria came close to leveling the score. In the 80th minute, defender Sikiratu Isah unleashed a powerful volley from a corner, forcing a full-stretch save from French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. Five minutes later, Christy Ucheibe failed to capitalize on a cross from the right, sending her effort over the bar.

In the 86th minute, Nnadozie made another critical save, with the rebound cleared by the hard-working Isah.

Despite the defeat, the Super Falcons delivered a commendable performance, leaving the pitch with their heads held high. The absence of Ajibade and Demehin may have altered the outcome, but Nigeria’s determined display against a top-tier opponent bodes well for the team’s future.