The Falcons were far from super tonight as they stumbled to a 2-1 loss to South Africa to begin their WAFCON title defence in Rabat, Morocco, on a rather shaky note.
The Nigerian ladies also fell to Banyana Banyana in their opening group game in Ghana four years ago, when Thembi Kgatlana grabbed a late winner.
The Falcons may have enjoyed more of the ball in this encounter, but even with Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala leading the attack they posed very little threat in front of the opposing goal.
The more purposeful South Africans drew first blood on the hour through Jermaine Seoposenwe after a goalless first half.
South Africa doubled their lead two minutes later through Hildah Magala.
The defending champions put some respectability in the defeat when Rasheedat Ajibade pulled a goal back in the closing moments of the clash.
Oshoala threatened the Banyana Banyana early into the game, but goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, in for the suspended Chiamaka Nnadozie, was lucky not to have been sent off for a professional foul against Kgatalana in the second half.
Nigeria will next face debutants Botswana in their continuation of the group action.
This tournament will also serve as qualifiers for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as the four semifinalists will book their passage to the global fiesta.
