The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Mexico in the opening match of the ongoing Revelation Cup, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
A late goal from Club America’s Kiana Palacios was all hosts Mexico, needed as they went top of the pack following a draw recorded in the opening game of the tournament.
For Nigeria, the one-week invitational tournament serves as a part of the Super Falcons’ preparations for the 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign in July.
Oshoala missing from squad against Mexico
Despite being called up for the tournament in the North American nation, Africa Women’s Footballer of the Year Oshoala was notably missing as coach Randy Waldrum revealed his squad to take on Mexico.
The loss was the Falcons’ sixth consecutive defeat since their last win against Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Nigerians started the game as the better side with Rasheedat Ajibade stinging the palm of Itzel Gonzalez in Mexico’s goal within the first five minutes.
Moments later, striker Ifeoma Onumonu had a free kick in a dangerous area, causing chaos, but no one was on hand to apply the finish.
The Mexicans grew into the encounter, and they should have broken the deadlock just past the half-hour mark, but Lizabeth Ovalle missed a sitter to save the Falcons’ blushes.
Coach Ralph Waldrum was forced into making a change moments before halftime as Glory Ogbonna came on to replace Rofiat Imuran, who was stretched out due to injury.
And shortly after coming on, the new entrant became the first player to be booked for a poor challenge on the edge of the box.
Deep into stoppage time, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie came to the team’s rescue, making a fine stop from Anika Rodriguez’s effort from distance to keep the scoreline goalless.
At the break, Nigeria made a double substitution, Ordega Francesca and Chinwendu Ihezuo made way for Uchenna Kanu and Jennifer Echegili.
Still, Mexico continued to look more dangerous in attack, but the Super Falcons were not without a fight.
In the 57th minute, Nigeria won a free kick in a dangerous position but Ajibade couldn’t make her effort count.
Lizabeth Ovalle missed a sitter for Mexico much to the relief of the Nigerians players and officials.
With 20 minutes to go, Christy Ucheibe required medical attention after a foul on her.
Glory Ogbonna was replaced in the 84th minute by Michelle Alozie. Shortly afterwards, Kiana Palacios broke the deadlock and put Mexico ahead.
The nine-time African champions will seek to bounce back when they face Colombia in their second game on Saturday.
