By Amaechi Agbo
Two exquisite first-half strikes by Captain Rasheedat Ajibade in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday earned nine-time African champions Nigeria victory over visiting Algeria in the first of two international friendly matches between both countries.
First, Ajibade galloped past an unsuspecting rearguard of the Green Ladies and heaved the ball over and above the advancing goalkeeper Amel Salah for Nigeria’s first goal in the 24th minute, following a good pass by defender Oluwatosin Demehin.
Then, just before the half-time whistle of referee Christelle Ligan, the Spain-based attacking midfielder collected the ball from Folashade Ijamilusi as Nigeria broke forward, and unleashed a rocket from 22 yards that flew straight into the top corner, ignoring goalkeeper Salah’s tame attempt at stopping it.
An entertaining game at the best privately-owned sport infrastructure in the country – Remo Stars Sports Complex – also saw Esther Onyenezide miss from close range in the 44th minute, and Ijamilusi was thwarted by Salah in the 66th and 90th minute.
Algeria’s best chance came in the 75th minute, but forward Gladys Ikene saw her chip glide past the goal after escaping the attention of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
“We have a young team and the players are trying to understand each other better with each passing game. We love this type of matches that help our telepathy and cohesion.
“Nigeria is a strong team globally and we are not ashamed to lose to them. However, I believe we will have a better game on Tuesday because we have learnt some things here today,” Coach Farid Benstiti said after the final whistle.
Super Falcons’ Coach, Justine Madugu, said: “We are on a rebuilding process and I must say that a good number of the home-based professionals impressed me. Ajibade, as always, led from the front and gave us great balance going forward.
“Now, we are looking forward to the encounter on Tuesday to build on what we have been able to do here.”
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