A near sell-out crowd of 25,475 in Sinsheim saw a number of good chances but no goals until Delie’s goal in the 56th minute gave France three points in the group with Nigeria remaining on zero.
The game at Rhein Neckar Arena was considered a near must-win for both sides with two-time reigning champions, and host, Germany most likely to advance as the other team from Group A to the quarter-finals.
France was the dominating team right from the start, especially on the left side through Louisa Necib – for whom the Nigerians had no answer.
The French were unable to create a real chance though until Elise Bussaglia’s long blast at the 17-minute mark, which Nigeria keeper, Precious Dede did a fine job fending away.
A minute later, Gaetane Thiney’s attempt off a corner struck the right post, followed by defender, Wendie Renard shooting over the crossbar from six yards out in the 23rd minute.
Nigeria slowly worked their way into the game and Desure Oparanozie was sent clear down the right side in the 25th minute.
But the 17-year-old failed to keep her nerves and shot well left of goal in a one-on-one situation against French keeper Berangere Sapowicz, missing clearly the best chance of the first half.
Meanwhile,SUPER Falcons coach, Eucharia Uche in her post match comment after Nigeria lost to France in the opening match of the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany disclosed that the Nigerian girls played well in the match but lost to poor marksmanship.
Uche said that the Falcons gave a good account of themselves in the match adding that there is room for improvement.
According to her, “we played well but lost,it is unfortunate that we lost the match.
“We can still qualify from the group, every team in this competition is beatable, so there is still hope,” she added.
Falcons will face host, Germany on Thursday in their second Group match of the competition. ]]>