Nigeria’s Super Falcons have crashed out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. They were beaten as widely expected by the United States girls 1-0, through a goal by Abby Wambach scored in the 45th minute, with a volley.

The Super Falcons fought to respond, but their efforts only led to a string of five yellow Cards. In the 65th minute, Sarah Nnodim earned a red card, making the team play the rest 21 minutes with 10 women.

Nigeria came last in Group D, called the group of death, With One Point, earned in the 3-3 draw against Sweden. The team however failed to rally against Australia, going down 2-0. Sweden proved a resilient side in the group, with three points, drawing with Nigeria, USA and Australia. Australia came second with four points, with USA leading the group with seven points.

The Falcons have joined the Flying Eagles in being unable to scale through the preliminary stage of a FIFA World Cup.

Match report by FIFA.com:
A well balanced first 45 minutes finally fell in the Americans’ favour when Wambach struck Megan Rapinoe’s corner home at the far post.

Earlier, Julie Johnston thought she gave the Stars and Stripes the lead, but her finish was ruled offside. Asisat Oshoala had the best chance for Nigeria 24 minutes in, but Johnston executed a perfectly timed tackle to interrupt the African’s shot. 

Rapinoe threatened Dede’s goal twice from long range, and Alex Morgan nearly doubled the Americans’ lead just after the interval but couldn’t lift it over the Super Falcons No1. Dede once again denied the American No13 with 30 minutes remaining. 

Things became harder for Nigeria in the 69th minute, when Sarah NNodim picked up her second yellow card as a result of bringing down Sydney Leroux just outside the area. With their numerical advantage intact, USA kept possession well, with smart, experienced play delighting a significant majority of the 52,193 crowd at BC Place.