Invitational Tourney: Super Falcons Loses To Jamaica, Promises Victory Against Portugal

By Akinwale Kasali

The Reggae Girls of Jamaica surprisingly defeated the reigning African Women’s Champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria, 1-0.

Against all odds, and proving bookmakers wrong, the Jamaican Female Football team were coordinated, resilient and absorbed the pressure coming from their African opponent.

The Coach Randy Waldrum Super Falcons team came flying in the first half of the encounter, missing series of chances, before the Reggae Girls came out of their shell to score the lone goal Victory against their African opponents.

Deneisha Blackwood scored the only goal as Jamaica defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the opening match of the Summer Series that kicked off in Texas in the early hours of , Friday June 11, 2021.

The Super Falcons started the encounter on a promising note but they failed to convert their chances in the opening 45 minutes as both teams went into the break levelled.

Just before the half-hour mark, Jamaica had an opportunity to go ahead through a penalty, but goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was composed in between the sticks to parry Blackwood’s strike.

The Super Falcons eventually paid for their lacklustre attacking play after Blackwood made up for her missed penalty and broke the deadlock at the BBVA Stadium in the 51st minute, courtesy of an assist from Jody Brown.

After finding themselves behind, Waldrum instantly made some changes with Ifeoma Onumonu, Nicole Payne and Amarachi Okoronkwo thrown into the fray but they failed to beat the Reggae Girlz’ defence.

The Jamaicans were solid in defence with crucial blocks to stop the Super Falcons from grabbing an equaliser.

Nigeria’s brightest chance in the second-half came when Vivian Ikechukwu powered in a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area but she was denied by the bar.

Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala, centre-back Onome Ebi goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie while five players including Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi, Osinachi Ohale and Uchenna Kanu withdrew earlier this week all missed the encounter.

In the absence of Oshoala, Levante forward Francisca Ordega wore the captain’s armband while Switzerland-based defender Onyinyechi Zogg, Rivers Angels winger Vivian Ikechukwu, Finland-born striker Roosa Ariyo and Sunshine FC defender Oluwatosin Dimehin made their starting debuts for the Super Falcons.

The Super Falcons next opponent is Portugal in three days time, with present team Captain, Ordega, promising Victory.

She said the team will redeem its image against the European team by getting the deserved victory.

Corroborating Ordega, Waldrum said the team would pull up the pieces and get the deserved result in their next match.