Vivian Ikechukwu heroics not enough as Super Falcons are outclassed by South Africa

The Rivers Angels star came off the bench to score two times, but it was not enough to prevent the 11-time African champions from defeat at the hands of the Banyana Banyana 

Super Falcons Aisha Buhari Cup journey ended in a 4-2 loss to rivals South Africa at The Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Rivers Angels star Vivian Ikechukwu came on at half-time to score twice in the second half, but Desire Ellis women had already done the damage in the first half.

Both teams went into the clash knowing a win would see them emerge as champions in the inaugural edition of the competition.

The Super Falcons were the favourites and buoyed by the home crowd, but the South Africans didn’t read the script as they took the lead in the sixth minute through an own goal from Michelle Alozie.

It got worse for Nigeria 13 minutes later as Linda Motlhalo doubled South Africa’s lead from the penalty spot after Onome Ebi handled in the box.

The goals kept coming for South Africa as they extended their lead through Gabriela Salgado a minute before the break.

However, Super Eagles coach Randy Waldrum made a raft of changes at half-time, and it worked, as Vivian scored two goals to bring Nigeria back into the game.

But all hopes of a comeback were killed when Mamello Makhabane converted South Africa’s second penalty of the day four minutes from time.