BY Victor Akhidenor
Abby Wambach scored her first goal of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup to hand USA a 1-0 win over the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign in the competition with USA and Australia, and possibly Sweden, advancing to the next round.
In a game Nigeria needed to win for any chance of qualifying for the round-of-16 for only the second time in seven attempts, Wambach’s volley seconds before half-time meant the end of the road for Edwin Okon and his players.
And the goal was from a corner kick – the third Nigeria will be conceding in three games.
Asisat Oshoala had the best chance for the Super Falcons in the 24 minute, but a perfect tackle from Julie Johnston interrupted her shot with Hope Solo at her mercy.
Megan Rapinoe twice called Precious Dede to action but the Nigeria keeper was equal to her long-range efforts.
In the second half, Alex Morgan almost put her side 2-0 up but her effort couldn’t beat Dede who was in fine form for most parts of the game.
The Super Falcons were reduced to 10 players after Sarah Nnodim picked up a second yellow card for bringing down Sydney Leroux in the 69th minute.
The Americans snuffed life out of the game by keeping possession of the ball till the final blast of the whistle.
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