Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi and forward Toni Payne shone as the Super Falcons fell 1-0 to the Reggae Queens of Jamaica in their opening game of the Summer Series in Texas.
Spain-based Oluehi saved a penalty in the 26th minute after Glory Ogbonna fouled inside the box.
She also pulled off a big save later in the game to keep the Falcons in the reckoning.
Payne, on the other hand, was full of running up front for the African champions.
Her younger sister, Nicole, will also make her Super Falcons debut on the day.
The Jamaica match winner was by Deneisha Blackwood in the 51st minute to make up for her losing the penalty in the first half.
This was the same loss for the Falcons under new coach Randy Waldrum, who was without as many as eight top stars including captain Asisat Oshoala of the all-conquering Barcelona Ladies team.
The Falcons next take on Portugal in continuation of the tournament Sunday.