Super Falcons of Nigeria's participation at the four-nation invitational women's football tournament began with a 3-0 defeat to hosts China.

 Playing in their first official match of the year, in preparing towards this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup in France, Falcons failed to give a good account of themselves against the Steel Roses.

After nine minutes of play, Nigeria were behind after the defence failed to deal with Gu Yasha's freekick, thus, allowing Zhang Rui to blast home from a tight corner for the opening goal.

Energised after taken the lead, China continued to push for further goals in quick sessions and could have doubled their lead, only to be denied by Nigerian keeper Tochukwu Oluehi.

Falcons' defenders were kept on their toes, with Yasha, Wang Shanshan and Liu Shanshan combing on different occasions for the Chinese side.

Nigeria meaningful chance in the first half fell to striker Chiwendu Ihezuo whose cross from the left-hand side almost found the top corner of the opposing net.

Goalie Oluehi was again called into action in the closing minutes of the first 45 minutes, denying Yasha from a free kick as the game later ended 1-0 in favour of China at half time.

The match restarted after the break with the Chinese team making a substitution, bringing in Wang Shuang for Liu Huiting as they continued from where they stopped earlier.

Substitute Shuang made her presence felt by collecting a lose ball in Nigeria's defence but the latter was blocked twice, after receiving a low pass from Yang Lina.

Falcons midfielder Chinanza Uchendu tried her luck from close range and saw her shot deflected for a corner following a counter-attack by Nigeria.

The hosts were, however, rewarded for their persistent when Wang Shuang disposed a Falcon of the ball and sends a long pass to Li Yang who neatly scored to double China's lead.

Not done with the scoreline, the Steel Roses of China were on the forefront of the game with their tiki-taka style of football, with Luo Jiahui and Rui hitting the crossbar in the different occasions.

The game was finally sealed for China by Li Yang who held her nerve to score her second and China's third from a tight corner after receiving a pass from Wu Chengshu.

Nigeria will be hoping to redeem their image when they take on Romania who lost by the scoreline to South Korea earlier in the day, in the third-place match on Sunday.

Nigeria's XI: Tochukwu Oluehi, Faith Michael, Osinachi Ohale, Onome Ebi (c), Josephine Chukwunonye, Chinanza Uchendu, Rita Chikwelu, Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Anam Imo.

Substitutes used: Ini Umotong, Rasheedat Ajibade, Alice Ogebe, Glory Ogbonna.

Substitutes not used: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Christy Ohiaerieku, Amarachi Okoronkwo, Ugochi Emenayo, Francisca Ordega.