By Harry Awurumibe, Head, Abuja Bureau
High-flying Canada came from behind this afternoon to beat Nigeria 2-1 in a pre-FIFA Women’s World Cup international friendly match in Murcia, Spain.
The Super Falcons had started the match well at the Pinatar Arena Center with France- based forward, Desire Oparanozie hitting the bulls eyes in the 26th minute after she was put through by Uchenna Kanu.
The Nigerians were still pressing high to increase the tally but the Coach Kenneth Heiner- Mòeller – tutored Canada equalised through Beckie Janine in the 48th minute. Kate Schmidts added the second goal in the 53rd minute for the Canadians to gross six matches without a loss. They had two days also defeated England in London.
Falcons coach, Thomas Dennerby decided to thinker with the squad that thrashed an Icelandic clubside, UMF Selfoss 6-1 two days ago. He started with his trusted 2018 AWCON line up.
He left hattrick heroine, Courtney Dike on the bench alongside Ini-Abasi Umotong who scored a brace on the night. Rashidat Ajibade was also on the bench.
However, Dennerby made four changes with Ajibade replacing Ngozi Okobi in the 68th minute while a double change saw Ogonna Chukwudi and Alice Ogebe taking over from Halimat Ayinde and Anam Imo in the 83rd minute.
The scorer of Nigeria’s lone goal, Oparanozie gave way for Portugal based Chinaza Uchendu in the 85th minute but Nigeria still failed equalise the game till the end of the tie.
