By Daily Sports on June 9, 2019

Norway scored three first-half goals on the way to an easy win over Nigeria in their opening Group A game at the 2019 Women's World Cup in Reims.

The 1995 world champions took the lead when Guro Reiten's shot deflected off Onome Ebi into the net.

Lisa-Marie Utland fired through the hands of keeper Tochukwu Oluehi to make it 2-0 before an own goal by Osinachi Ohale compounded Nigeria's misery.

Norway are level on points with hosts France, who they face on Wednesday.

Ingrid Hjelmseth, Norway's 39-year-old goalkeeper, had little to do as Nigeria struggled to carve out chances.

On a bad night for the African champions, defender Faith Michael was carried off on a stretcher after being caught by team-mate Oluehi.

Norway are chasing their first world title for 24 years and Martin Sjogren's side certainly laid down a marker as they breezed past the group's lowest ranked team at Stade Auguste-Delaune.

They are without Ada Hegerberg, the first Women's Ballon d'Or winner, who has refused to play for the national side since 2017 after taking a stand against what she describes as a lack of respect for female players in the country. (BBC)

•Photo shows Norway players 

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 9, 2019

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