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Saturday, 7 December, 2002, 16:09 GMT
Nigeria off to flying start
Akide is the African Footballer of the Year
Akide scored two goals for Nigeria
Nigeria's quest for a third African title began on a convincing note, as the Super Falcons beat Ethiopia 3-0 in the tournament's opening match in Warri.

Stella Mbachu opened scoring for Nigeria in the 19th minute.

The reigning African Champions dominated play, with little opposition from their East African counterparts.

Mercy Akide, Africa's Footballer of the Year, left her imprint on the tie, scoring two goals in the second half.

Nigeria coach Sam Okpodu said Ethiopia gave his team a good contest.

"I'm happy with the result but I am not happy with the way my team played," he told BBC Sport Online.

"It wasn't an easy game, as we started the game quite slowly.

"My players were quite anxious at the beginning but once we settled down, we dominated the game as we should have done from the beginning," Okpodu said.

The Super Falcons face the Black Queens of Ghana on Tuesday.

Second match

Ghana beat Mali 2-0 in the other match of Group A.

Captain Albertha Sackey and Dgajmah Marvis were the scorers.

Inspite of the win, Black Queens Coach Okoo Aryee said he was unhappy with his team's quality of play.

"We're yet to settle but when we play Nigeria you will see a different team," he said at the post-match press conference.

"My players are capable of a lot more."

See also:

05 Dec 02 | Africa
06 Dec 02 | Africa
06 Dec 02 | Africa
Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page.


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