Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated hard fighting Slovakia 4-3 at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium on Friday, to record their first win at the ongoing Cyprus Women’s Cup.

The African champions, who are using the tournament as preparation for the forthcoming 2019 FIFA World Cup in France, showed they are out to revenge their opening day defeat by Austria right from the start.

Rita Chikwelu net the opener for the Falcons in the 7th minute. Osinachi Ohale increased the tally in the 28th minute before Chikwelu grabbed a second goal in the 38th minute even as the Falcons held to their 3-0 lead till the end of first 45 minutes.

Jana Vojteková’s goal for her team in the 67th minute became a morale booster for the Slovakia team as they started fighting harder, their efforts paid off in the 72nd minute when Lucia Haršanyová converted a penalty to secure a second goal for the European side which reduced Nigeria’s lead to 3-2.

Haršanyová’s second penalty just four minutes after her first, gave Slovakia an incredible comeback to draw the contest 3-3.

When it looked like the game was going to end in a draw, Nigeria’s substitute, Anam Imo found the net in the 82nd minute to again put Falcons ahead at 4-3.

The Falcons fought so hard like real champions in the closing moments of the contest to protect their narrow lead.

Today’s defeat marks the second for the Slovakians after losing their opening match 3-0 to Belgium, Falcons on their part lost the first match 4-1 to Austria with the consolation goal coming from Assisat Oshoala. The final group match will be against Belgium on Monday.