The Super Falcons of Nigeria were beaten 1-0 by Mexico in their opening match at the ongoing Revelations Cup in Mexico.
Substitute Kiana Palacios scored an 85th minute winner to hand the tournament hosts victory.
Nigeria made a strong start to the game with stand-in captain Rasheedat Ajibade making an early clearance.
In the 10th minute, striker Ifeoma Onumonu’s intelligent free kick went into the area but there was no Nigerian player to convert the chance.
For large parts of the first forty-five, the main battle happened in the midfield with the Super Falcons seeing more of the ball but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
The Mexico women had an amazing chance in the 34th minute but Lizabeth Ovalle missed a sitter. Meanwhile, on the stroke of halftime, Nigeria lost defender Rofiat Imuran to injury and was replaced by Glory Ogbonna.
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Anika Rodriguez forced goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to make a huge save as the first period ended goalless between hosts Mexico and the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the Revelations Cup.
Coach Randy Waldrum rang some changes early in the second half as Uchenna Kanu and Jennifer Echegili both replaced Francisca Ordega and Chiwendu Ihezuo respectively, as he sought to add more attacking bite to his team.
An Ajibade effort couldn’t find the back of the net while Mexico’s Ovalle also missed another opportunity.
The deadlock was broken five minutes to the end of the match when Palacios rolled the ball past the Nigerian goalie, much to the disappointment of the Nigerian faithfuls.
What next?
Nigeria will now face Colombia in their second game of the competition on Saturday, 18th February, 2023.
The Revelations Cup is a 4-Nation tournament taking place from 15th-21st of February in Mexico.
Mexico, Nigeria, Costa Rica and Colombia are the participating teams.
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