Nigeria won their second group game at the 2012 AWC 3-0 against Ethiopia in Bata, but they were far from convincing.

The Ethiopians were more comfortable on the ball, while the defending champions made heavy weather of this game until after more than an hour of action before they put the game beyond their less fancied opponents.

JUBILATION… Super Falcons celebrating a goal.

Esther Sunday broke the deadlock in the 26th minute after a catalogue of misses by the Nigerians with Esther the culprit in the ninth minute with a poor first touch when she was face-to-face with the goalkeeper.

The Ethiopians gave good account of themselves with good exchange of passes in their own half, but they hardly threatened Precious Dede in goal for Nigeria as she was virtually on holidays.

Stella Mbachu’s rocket inside the 18-yard box in the 65th minute poured cold water on the ambitious Ethiopians, who enjoyed more possession for the better part of second half.

Perpetua Nkwocha made it 3-0 for Nigeria when she rounded the goalkeeper before putting the ball into an empty net.

Two other goals were chalked off for offside, but Nigeria could not really impose themselves on a game they were expected to run up the scores against a team who lost 5-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in their first match.