By Amosu Adeboye, LAGOS
African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria lost 4-1 to Austria in their opening game at the Cyprus Invitational Tournament on Wednesday at the AEK Arena, Larnaca.
Thomas Dennerby’s ladies played virtually the entire game with a woman down after goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was sent off in the fifth minute for handling the ball outside the area.
The West Africans stood firm against their opponent in the first half but conceded four times after the break.
Tor Nina Burger broke the deadlock three minutes after the break as the Europeans finally make their numerical advantage count.
The Austrians pilled more pressure on the Falcons and doubled their lead through Nicole Billa a minute before the hour mark.
Barcelona Ladies of Spain star Asisat Oshoala reduced the deficit for Nigeria firing home Anan Imo pass in the 65th minute.
Laura Feiersinge restored Austria’s two-goal lead when she scored off a fine corner kick from Elisabeth Mayr in the 72nd minute.
Jennifer Klein extended Dominik Thalhammer’s side lead eight minutes from time when she scored her first international goal through an assist from Elisabeth Mayr.
In the group’s other fixture, Belgium defeated Slovakia 3-0 in a one sided game.
The Super Falcons will face Slovakia in their next game in the competition on Friday.
