Montpellier HSC Forward, Ifeoma Onumonu delivered a historic moment, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Nigeria’s Super Falcons from falling 2-1 to France in an international friendly at the Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers on Saturday night.
Facing Les Bleues, ranked 10th in the FIFA women’s rankings, the understrength Falcons were always up against a formidable challenge on French soil.
The 2024 Nations League runners-up showcased their prowess with two quick goals midway through the first half. France’s all-time leading scorer Eugénie Le Sommer opened the scoring, and Amel Majri doubled the lead moments later.
Despite missing key players like captain Rasheedat Ajibade and African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala due to injuries, the Super Falcons posed a consistent threat on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off just before halftime, as Onumonu capitalized on a defensive lapse by France. Breaking free on a blistering run from deep in her half, the Montpellier forward fired a clinical finish past the goalkeeper, scoring Nigeria’s first-ever goal against France and etching her name into the record books.
The second half saw both teams battling to add to the scoreline, with the Falcons matching their European counterparts in energy and resilience. However, chances went begging on both sides as the defenses held firm.
The match’s closing stages turned controversial when German referee Riem Hussein issued three yellow cards to Nigerian players, culminating in a red card for veteran defender Osinachi Ohale. The dismissal was the first of Ohale’s 14-year international career, adding a bittersweet note to the encounter.
While the Super Falcons ultimately suffered their fourth consecutive defeat to France, head coach Justin Madugu will take heart from the team’s spirited display.
The match concludes a mixed year for the nine-time African champions, who played 10 games in 2024, recording four wins, two draws, and four losses. With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on the horizon, the Falcons are determined to reclaim their crown from reigning champions South Africa.
