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Norway 3-0 Nigeria: Super Falcons fail to begin Women's WC campaign with win

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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.

Not the start the Super Falcons wanted. While they didn’t pick up points, there were some positive signs in the second half after Thomas Dennerby made half time tactical changes. Containing the scoreline to 3-0 was crucial for their chances in the next match. There is all to play for against Korea Republic in Grenoble.

Related: NorwayNigeria