Sport
Super Falcons Lose 2-1 to France in a Tough Friendly Match in Angers
The Super Falcons of Nigeria fell to a 2-1 defeat against Les Bleues of France in an intense friendly match held at Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers.
France initially appeared to take the lead early on when Marie-Antoinette Katoto found the net in the seventh minute, but her goal was disallowed due to an offside call.
The breakthrough eventually came just before the 30th minute when Eugenie Le Sommer, one of France’s most decorated players and all-time leading scorer, capitalized on a chance to put her team ahead.
Eight minutes later, France doubled their advantage as Amel Majri, the Tunisia-born midfielder known for her versatility, slotted the ball past Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Majri’s clinical finish showcased her attacking prowess and left Nigeria trailing by two goals.
However, the Super Falcons responded with resilience. In the final moments of the first half, Ifeoma Onumonu pulled one back for Nigeria with a brilliant chip over the French goalkeeper.
The goal, created from a swift counterattack, marked Nigeria’s first-ever strike against the French team, a historic moment despite the eventual loss.
The second half saw both teams creating chances but failing to convert them into goals.
Nigeria’s defense, led by Nnadozie, managed to hold off further attacks from the French side, while their forwards sought an equalizer that never came.
For the Super Falcons, this match served as an opportunity to test their strength against one of Europe’s top teams.
Despite the loss, their performance, particularly Onumonu’s goal, highlighted their potential to compete on the global stage.
France, coached by Laurent Bonadie, extended their dominance over Nigeria, reflecting the depth of talent in their squad.
Players like Le Sommer and Majri continue to be pivotal figures, showcasing why France remains a powerhouse in women’s football.
Manchester United have reportedly received a massive £80 million bid from Al Hilal for their captain, Bruno Fernandes. The Saudi club is pulling out all the stops to land the Portuguese star, offering him a tempting four-year deal worth £21 million a year. Talks are said to be ongoing as Al Hilal push hard to bring Fernandes to the Middle East this summer.
Despite his strong performance in United’s recent 2-0 win over Aston Villa, where manager Ruben Amorim praised him as a key figure, Fernandes’ future remains uncertain. United’s disappointing season—finishing 15th in the league and losing the Europa League final to Spurs—has raised questions about whether the midfielder will stay at Old Trafford.
Ten home-based Super Eagles players and their officials landed in London on Monday ahead of the Unity Cup invitational tournament.
Those already in camp include team captain Ahmed Musa, along with Ifeanyi Oyebuchi, Papa Daniel, Nduka Junior, Sadiq Ismaila, and Waliu Ojetoye — all invited by head coach Eric Chelle.
Others in the squad are Collins Ugwueze, Saviour Isaac, Abubakar Adamu, and Sikiru Alimi. They are expected to be joined later today by their teammates from Europe.
The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against long-time rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford on Wednesday. Jamaica’s Reggae Boys and Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors are also part of the four-nation tournament.
Transfer insider Matteo Moretto has revealed that Nigerian star Ademola Lookman is unlikely to join Arsenal this summer, despite rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League giants. Moretto explained that Arsenal follows a specific recruitment strategy, especially when it comes to a player’s age and profile, and Lookman doesn’t seem to fit into that plan.
While the former Everton winger has reportedly been offered to several European clubs, including Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, the strongest interest is currently coming from Serie A sides Juventus and Napoli. Lookman is expected to leave Atalanta soon after an outstanding season where he helped the club win the UEFA Europa League. He was the standout player in the final, scoring a memorable hat-trick in their 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
According to Moretto, speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s channel, Lookman is “99.9%” set to leave Atalanta, but Arsenal is not likely to be his next destination. Instead, Juventus and Napoli are currently leading the race for his signature as he looks ahead to Champions League football next season.
Solomon Buchi Speaks Out Against Excessive Materialism, Says It’s “Killing Us Slowly”
“I’ll Do It Again” – Ubi Franklin Defends Meeting President Tinubu with Davido
“Take My Wife’s Picture Off Page” – Davido Reacts to Sarah Martins’ 5ive Kitchen Comment
-
Entertainment22 hours agoPopular Veteran Korean Actor Choi Jung Woo Has Passed Away at Age 68
-
Politics15 hours agoPDP Governors Say They Won’t Bow to Pressure from Federal Government
-
Entertainment15 hours ago“This Is False and Unfair” – Skales Denies Divorced Rumors
-
Entertainment14 hours ago“Take My Wife’s Picture Off Page” – Davido Reacts to Sarah Martins’ 5ive Kitchen Comment
-
Entertainment12 hours agoSolomon Buchi Speaks Out Against Excessive Materialism, Says It’s “Killing Us Slowly”
-
Entertainment13 hours ago“I’ll Do It Again” – Ubi Franklin Defends Meeting President Tinubu with Davido