Mexico condemn Nigeria to sixth consecutive loss in Revelation Cup opener

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Mexico women’s national team edged Nigeria 1-0 in both sides’ opening game of the maiden Revelation Cup on Wednesday.

Kiana Palacios last gasp goal settled the contest in favour of the host, Mexico in the first-ever encounter between both teams at Estadio Leon.

Super Falcons started the game with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal alongside Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Toni Payne, Ifeoma Onumonu, Christy Ucheibe, Tosin Demehin, Rasheedat Ajibade, Francisca Ordega, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Rofiat Imuran.

For the Mexican, Itzel Gonzalez, Karla Nieto, Christina Ferral, Carolina Jaramilo, Greta Espinoza, Jacqueline Ovalle, Anika Rodriguez, Stephany Mayor, Scarlett Camberos, and Miah Zuazua started for the hosts.

The first half of the encounter was a cagey affair without a goal saw Randy Waldrum introduced Onyi Echegini, Glory Ogbonna, Uchenna Kanu, Halimatu Ayinde, and Michelle Alozie to change the tide of the game.

Mexican coach Pedro Lopez also played his cards introducing Maria Mauleon, Kiana Palacios, Veronica Corral, and Lizabeth Ovalle.

The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute after good team work leading to a cross from the left wing which was right-footed into the back of the net by substitute, Kiana Palacios.

The defeat was Nigeria’s sixth in a row, dating back to a penalty loss to Morocco at Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022.

The nine-time African Champions will next face World Cup-bound Colombia on February 18. Colombia and Costa Rica had earlier played out a 1-1 draw.