Randy Waldrum shocks critics as Super Falcons thrash New Zealand

By Saheed Afolabi

The Nigeria national team geared up their FIFA Women’s World Cup preparation with an emphatic 3-0 victory over co-host New Zealand in Turkey.

Under fire Nigeria coach, Randy Waldrum shocked critics with the result who were ready to pounce on him if the results had gone the way of New Zealand in the encounter.

Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi, Jennifer Echegini and goal poacher, Desire Oparanozie goals got the job done for the Nigeria team.

Goal custodian, Chiamaka Nnadozie gave the Super Falcons a flying boost with a great save in the 20th minute to deny New Zealand.

Coming on the back of a 2-1 win against world cup debutant, Haiti. The Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi gave the team the lead with a charismatic header in the 34th minute of the encounter following a fantastic assist from Tony Payne.

Despite the massive outpour of chances in the encounter, only one goal separated both sides going to the break.

Jennifer Echegini doubled the Nigeria team lead in the 49th minute to calm the nerves of the her teammates in a very lively encounter.

The introduction of Chinese based striker, Desire Oparanozie for Esther Okoronkwo added more bite for the Super Falcons in the attack in the 50th minute as they search for more goals in the game.

Following a series of lost chances from Rasheedat Ajibade, Oparanozie pounced on a loose ball and powered off her marker to score Nigeria’s third goal beautifully of the match in the 90th minute of stoppage time.