Falcons to the next round

Desire Oparanozie

Nigeria were simply too much for Zambia beating them 6-0 in their Group A day two clash on Tuesday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
Burly striker Desire Oparanozie scored a brace while Ngozi Okobi, Osinachi Ohale, Asisat Oshoala and Perpetua Nkwocha also found the back the net for the convincing win that puts them within touching distance of a place at the next round.
The She-polopolo finished the game with 10 players after right back Grace Zulu was sent off six minutes before halftime adding to their woes.
The six-time winners unsettled their opponents very early scoring the opener just two minutes into the game. Okobi connected from a Asisat Oshoala effort from close range.
The Super Falcons made the best of their set pieces and three minutes later Ohale rose above her markers to head home a free-kick taken by Ngozi Ebere, who was by far the most outstanding player.
The Zambians were kept under pressure after struggling to find their rhythm in the opening minutes. On 18 minutes, Zulu did a good job by intercepting Oparanozie’s pass before Esther Sunday could reach it.
While her team were miles away from their feet, it was the opposite for Zambian goalie, Hazel Nali, who was at her best pulling off some superb saves to keep the scoreline intact.
On 24 minutes, Nali denied Oshoala who was at the receiving end of a one-two with Okobi.
A minute later, Oparanozie score the third goal for Nigeria from the spot after a Zambian defender handled in the penalty area.
Nali was on hand to deny Oshoala on 28 minutes with her feet on a one-on-one situation before parrying out Ebere’s long range shot out of danger.
On 39 minutes, Zambia suffered a numerical blow as Zulu was sent off following a second yellow for a foul on Oparanozie.
Carrying a 3-0 lead from the first half, the Super Falcons never looked back and three minutes into the half Nali pulled off yet another superb save denying Oshoala with her feet again from close range.
Five minutes past the hour mark, Oshoala finally managed to beat Nali, heading home from Ebere’s corner for her side's fourth goal.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Zambians threatened the Nigerian defence a couple of times with petit midfielder Mary Mwakapila giving Onome Ebi some cause to worry about.
On 81 minutes, Oparanozie scored the fifth goal before substitute Perpetua Nkwocha completed the rout six minutes from time, just few seconds after Mirriam Katamanda had replaced injured Nali.
Take it easy on the road, drive safe its better to be late than be the late.
By SuperSports