Ifeoma Onumonu wrote herself into the history books, scoring Nigeria WNT’s first-ever goal against France, as Les Bleus handed the Super Falcons a 2-1 loss on Saturday night in Angers.
Former NWSL stalwart Onumonu, who now plays for Montpellier in France, reminded the hosts of the Super Falcons’ potency on breakaways when she set off after a French corner kick, played a one-two and finished off the return from Gift Monday, to give Nigeria their first score against the French in three meetings.
In truth, the scoreline could have been worse, but Chiamaka Nnadozie was a rock in goal for a depleted Nigeria, facing a group of players she confronts regularly as Paris FC‘s stopper.
Eugénie Le Sommer, on her 197th appearance for France, opened the scoring for her 94th international goal on the half hour mark after Marie-Antoinette Katoto‘s earlier effort was scratched off by VAR for offside, by the slightest of margins.
Amel Majri doubled the score eight minutes later, getting on the end of Katoto’s pullback to rifle home from close range, right after Jennifer Echegini had stung Peyraud Magnin’s palms with an effort from range.
Young Falcons showed grit
Despite his status as an interim coach, Justin Madugu has been clear that his objective is to refresh the Super Falcons going forward. That much was clearly demonstrated in the two friendlies against Algeria, where the bulk of the squad were new players.
Against France, he put out a more experienced lineup, with seven of his starting XI having enjoyed similar roles at various times in the past under Randy Waldrum. But it is doubtful if all would be starting had Madugu been granted a full assemblage of players.
Still, there was room to hand a debut to forward Blessing Nkor, with Under 20 youngster Rafiat Imuran also involved from the start. That personnel disruption was bound to cause some cohesion issues and it showed.
In midfield, the combination of Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini (a forward) and Toni Payne left gaping holes that were fully exploited, as France ran rings around the Nigerians for the most part. And the centerback pair of Ashleigh Plumptre and Ohale Osinachi struggled to find rhythm. It is possible that it was the frustration that led to Ohale’s mouthing off at the end which earned her a second yellow card and an early walk of shame to the dressing room.
But there was promise shown, especially after the second half substitutions when Madugu threw on some new faces. All six substitutes had less than 10 combined previous appearances between them but more than held their own against more experienced opposition.
Defender Sikiratu Isah was particularly outstanding. She extended goalkeeper Peyraud-Magnin with a rasping volley that had the Frenchwoman stretching full strength to tip the ball behind the goalpost, and appeared at the other end to help Nnadozie with a clearance off the line after the Nigeria goalkeeper had made a point blank save.
It is a credit to Madugu that he had the courage to send them on, and still hold on for what turned out to be one of the Falcons better results against the French.
Left back position still causing headaches
Speaking of personnel changes, left back proved to be a conundrum for Waldrum, one that he found a workaround for by moving Plumptre over there, with Tosin Demehin and Ohale the centerbacks.
Demehin withdrawing from the squad with injury opened the door to youngster Imuran starting at left back, which meant the returning Plumptre was back in her natural position at centreback.
Former coach Waldrum had previously told ESPN that the youngster was not quite ready to be thrown into the fire just yet, and he was proved right on the night. She was targeted by the French and with both Katoto and later Naomie Feller taking her lunch at will, and forcing Plumptre out of position to cover.
Both French goals, including the disallowed effort, and some of France’s best opportunities, originated from that channel. It was not the best of nights for the talented youngster, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that it is one she can certainly take lessons from.
Nnadozie still Nigeria’s saving grace
For all of the spunk shown by the young Super Falcons team, they really still had Nnadozie to thank for the scoreline staying respectable.
There is little doubt that the Paris FC goaltender is one of the best in the world at her position, and she proved it again on multiple occasions on a frosty night at the Stade Raymond Kopa.
After a first half where she frustrated the French, she made a highlight save soon after the restart, denying Delphine Cascarino just after the restart with a brave effort and the forcing Majri to sky her 20-yard free-kick.
But it was towards the end, with the French pressure building, that Nnadozie really showed out, showing swift reflexes to make a double save with four minutes left, as the hardworking Isah cleared after her.
Waldrum made an organized and disciplined defence a keystone of his Super Falcons team. That discipline and organization were lacking on the night and Madugu will need to find a fix as he continues preparation for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
That fix might be as easy as just having his starters back and getting playing time together, or it could be more of a tactical deep dive.
Either way, having a goalkeeper of Nnadozie’s ability will help with confidence in that rebuild.