Nigeria’s U-23 women began their hunt for the All African Games women’s football gold medal after cruising past the hosts on Sunday

Nigeria women’s national team gave host; Congo a 5-1 shellacking in the 11th All African Games women’s football opening game played at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat, Brazzaville.

Four goals from Super Falcon’s Desire Oparanozie bagged an amazing quartet and that was all the reigning African queens needed to cage the home team in the six-goal thriller.

It took Oparanozie just five minutes into the game to fire her side ahead before adding the second two minutes later. The France based forward made it three in the 15th minute as the hosts failed to threaten the solid Falcons who dominated every department of the game.

Christopher Danjuma’s side continued their dominance in the second half but had to wait till the 90th minute to add their fourth through Oparanozie, while Chinaza Uchendu added to Congo’s misery with the fifth during added time, while the hosts pulled one back with the last kick of the game.

The Super Falcons, leader of Group A will face Tanzania in their second group game on Wednesday at the Stade Municipal de Kintélé, Brazzaville. The Tanzanians bowed 1-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in their first game courtesy of Sandrine Niamien’s 65th minute strike.