Okobi, Oparanozie Inspires Super Falcons To AWC Victory Over CIV

Nigeria got their African Women's Championship start they wanted with a 4-2 win over Ivory Coast in Windhoek on Saturday night.

Powerful striker Desire Oparanozie celebrated a hardworking performance with two goals in the thrilling encounter.

Despite having to start legendary Perpetua Nkwocha on the bench, Nigeria were too strong for Ivory Coast, but the two goals conceded will worry manager Edwin Edem Okon.

With hosts Namibia winning two-nil in the first match of the day, Super Falcons wanted to give their die hard supporters every reason to celebrate goals and the maximum points.

With the pressure and the failure of the 8th edition still fresh, Nigeria wanted an early goal and Minsk winger Esther Sunday duly obliged on twelve minutes, cutting in from the left to curl a right-footed shot into the top corner. She was indebted to Delta Queens playmaker Ngozi Okobi who put her through on goal.

The strike was expected to open the floodgates but Ivory Coast equalised nine minutes later through Coulibaly Fatou. She drilled a well struck penalty past goalkeeper Precious Dede.

Super Falcons continued to dominate for the rest of the first half, but they were unable to find the net for a second time as both teams headed into the break on level terms.

After the break, Ivory Coast looked fragile at the back and in the 55th minute, Nigeria restored their lead through Diakite Mariam's own goal.

Wing-back Ebere Ngozi whipped in a right-wing cross after Cecilia Nku pass into her path. The ball struck the body of Diakite Mariam for Super Falcons' second goal of the night.

Playmaker Ngozi Okobi, was providing most of Nigeria's good work down the middle and she was a delight to watch with her skills, one-touch approach and soccer artistry.

Desire Oparanozie gave the six-time winners the breathing space they craved when she struck her first goal on 74 minutes, tapping the ball into the net after Ngozi Okobi skillfully beat three defenders and threaded an intelligent assist to her.

Yeble Christine pulled one back in the 76th but that did not stop the 2010 champions pouring forward and Desire Oparanozie scored two minutes from time, as she benefitted from great work by strike partner Asisat Oshoala.

As expected, Ngozi Okobi was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the explosive match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.