The Ford Football Ferns suffered a disappointing defeat to Nigeria this afternoon in their second international friendly played as part of their Turkish training camp.

Keen to build on the positive performance against Iceland, the Ferns started strongly against the 11-time African champions. Jitka Klimková’s side dominated the opening 20 minutes, creating a number of half chances but not quite getting the opening goal. 

The momentum of the game shifted in the 34th minute as Nigeria opened the scoring. A floated corner found veteran defender Onome Ebi who headed over Vic Esson in goal to give the Super Falcons the lead in Antalya. 

The Nigerians doubled their lead not long after half-time. The Ferns were looking to stage a fight back of their own but a well taken cross found Onyi Echegini who finished with a mid-air volley into the back of the net. 

Looking for a way back into the game, the Ferns pushed to create chances with Hannah Wilkinson forcing Paris FC’s Chiamaka Nnadozie into a save. 

Betsy Hassett had to be replaced by Daisy Cleverley on the 71st minute after going down injured following a Nigerian player landing on top of her.

Late changes saw Jitka Klimková bring on Claudia Bunge, Milly Clegg and Mackenzie Barry, switching to a back three to create more goal scoring opportunities. 

In the final moments of the game, with the Ferns pushing for a way back into the match, Nigeria got their third. Vic Esson made two great saves but couldn’t stop the third attempt on her goal.

Speaking after the match Ford Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková was disappointed with the result:

“It was disappointing, specifically in front of the goal. We were not gritty enough in our defensive third. We gave up a goal from a set play. We gave up a goal from a cross... The biggest improvement we need to now look for is really gritty defending in the box.”

 

Starting XI 

Vic Esson, Katie Bowen, Michaela Foster (84’ Mackenzie Barry), Ali Riley, Rebekah Stott (84’ Claudia Bunge), Betsy Hassett (71’ Daisy Cleverley), Grace Jale, Gabi Rennie (45’ Paige Satchell), Malia Steinmetz, Jacqui Hand, Hannah Wilkinson (84’ Milly Clegg)


Final Score:

New Zealand 0
Nigeria 3 (34’ Onome Ebi, 49’ Onyi Echegini, 90’+4 Desire Oparanozie)

Article added: Wednesday 12 April 2023