Nigeria put up a dominant display against China which saw them have the upper hand in all spheres of the game against their opponents.
The Flamingoes had eleven shots in the first half,nine on target as against one shot from China to underline their superiority.
Chance after chance,Nigeria frittered opportunities to convert a goal despite being in good positions.
However,Nigeria got the breakthrough after Chinwedu Ihezuo knocked down a corner kick for Uchenna Kanu who forced a good save from the Chinese keeper Peng Sh M,but Rasheedat Ajibade was right on hand to follow up the rebound into the net.
The goal was a reward for the constant pressing from the Flamingoes and they almost made it two before the break after Yakubu was played through on goal,but she hesitated and Peng came out early to force a save.
China did well to contain Nigeria coming into the second half,though the ball possesion was evenly shared ,the Flamingoes looked more dangerous like they would score with each chance.
Kanu made it two for Nigeria,connecting well to cross from the right and with a powerful header beat the goalkeeper to score.
But China produced an instant response;just when Nigeria was still basking in the euphoria of their second goal,skipper Fan Yu Qji pulled one back for her side.
It was the fourth shot that the Chinese ladies were having in the game,with which they scored.
Ihezuo who was prolific in Azerbaijan last two years,almost made it three for Nigeria but she failed to wrap her leg well to the ball and just needed to tap in the cross.
They saw off the game and secured all three points in their opening game of the tournament.
Mexico tops the group on superior goal difference after a 4-0 defeat of Colombia,while Nigeria trails in second.
The Flamingoes will play against Colombia in their next group game,and victory would assure their passage into the quarter-finals of the competition.
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