Nigeria Falcons Faces Difficulty After 2-0 Defeat By Australia

The Super Falcons had sought to maintain momentum following their opening Group D draw with the highly rated Sweden but in a game deemed their best chance to consolidate for points; lack of clinical prowess in the attacking third cost the African champions dearly.

After a cagey start in Winnipeg, Desire Oparanozie’s inability to sneak the ball into the Maltidas’ net despite threatening on some few occasions came at a heavy price, as Simon made the most of her opportunity at the other end.

Sweden captain Lisa De Vana drove into Nigeria’s box and placed the ball at the feet of Simon, who lifted the ball beyond Precious Dede into the net.

Nigeria rarely threatened to respond quickly and almost trailed 2-0, but for the intervention of Dede, who smothered Simon’s shot before Vana fired wide from the rebound.