France emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over the Super Falcons of Nigeria at Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France, In an intense Women’s International Friendly held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, The match was part of France’s preparation for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship in Switzerland. For The Super Falcons of Nigeria, under interim coach Justin Madugu, it served as a crucial test as they continue their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The match got off to a dramatic start, with France striking first in the 29th minute. Eugénie Le Sommer opened the scoring with a precise right-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Despite Nigeria’s spirited response, France doubled their lead just eight minutes later in the 37th minute. Amel Majri found the back of the net with a powerful left-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Le Sommer once again.
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Nigeria’s resilience shone through as they fought back in the dying moments of the first half. Ifeoma Onumonu pulled one back for the Super Falcons in added time, scoring a clinical left-footed shot from the center of the box. Gift Monday provided the assist following a swift counter-attack before the first half ended.
The second half saw both teams create several chances, but the score remained unchanged despite late efforts from Nigeria. France had a few opportunities to extend their lead, with Melvine Malard and Sakina Karchaoui coming close, but Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made crucial saves. Nigeria, however, struggled to break down the French defense, and despite multiple substitutions and yellow cards, including three cautions for Nigerian players in the final moments, they could not find an equalizer.
In the final minutes, both teams had injury delays and multiple substitutions, but the match ended with France securing a 2-1 victory.
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The encounter provided valuable experience for both teams as they look ahead to major continental tournaments in 2025. France will head into the UEFA Women’s Nations League with renewed confidence, while Nigeria will take lessons from the match as they continue their preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations next summer.
