Les Bleues coach and fans salute Nnadozie and Super Falcons despite defeat by France

Les Bleues of France head coach, Laurent Bonadie has praised Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.

France defeated the West Africans 2-1 in a friendly encounter in Angers on Saturday night.

Les Bleues scored two quick goals before Ifeoma Onumonu reduced the deficit late in the first half.

The hosts could have scored more goals but for some brave goalkeeping by Nnadozie.

Bonadie singled out the shot-stopper for praise after the game.

“Nigeria is a team that defends well. We lacked efficiency and remained under pressure until the end,” the gaffer told a post-match press conference.

“Chiamaka Nnadozie made some good saves. I’m quite happy with the game.”

Super Falcons supporters also showered praise on the team despite their 2-1 loss to France’s Les Bleues in an international friendly.

 On social media platform X, fans expressed pride in the team’s effort.

A user @moolah79 wrote, “For a Falcons team that had at least six regulars missing yet managed to hold a full France squad to just a 2-1 loss. I’m impressed. If we had Rasheedat, Abiodun & (Halimatu) Ayinde in that midfield, France would have been in for a shocker. Great job, Super Falcons!”

Another fan, Chukwudi Israel, noted the challenge posed by France’s formidable squad, stating, “Considering who they played, I mean we are talking about France here, one of the best teams in women’s football, who used their complete, full squad, Naija girls tried. But the midfield is seriously lacking, to be honest; there wasn’t coordination there.”

While fans praised the team’s resilience, some highlighted areas for improvement as @dejairo655 wrote, “The girls gave a very good account of themselves against a strong French side despite missing a few of our regulars.

“Only that they let the French girls bully them with their strength. The coach should work on their passing skills, possession retention, and confidence.”

The game marked another step in the Falcons’ rebuilding process under interim head coach Justin Madugu. With injuries sidelining key players, the team relied on emerging talents and veterans like Chiamaka Nnadozie, who captained the side in Demehin’s absence.

@9jaRealist summed up the sentiments of many with his comment, “Well done ladies! Great effort, and an excellent tactical switch at the half. The future keeps looking bright.”

Although the result extended France’s dominance over Nigeria in their head-to-head record, the performance boosted optimism among fans and analysts about the team’s potential ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

 Jinadu Michael echoed this sentiment writing, “We did well. Well done, TEAM. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but today was a great show.”*

The Super Falcons will look to build on this performance as they continue preparations for upcoming tournaments, aiming to solidify their position as Africa’s top women’s football team.