Thomas Dennerby made just one change to the team that toppled South Korea last time out, with Halimatu Ayinde coming in for Chinaza Uchendu.
The African side started brightly with Desire Oparanozie on hand to force a good save from Sarah Bouhaddi as early as the fourth minute.
The Super Falcons continued to contain the opposition up until the 78th minute when the VAR adjudged defender Ngozi Ebere to have fouled Diani in the box for a penalty — with Renard only able to convert on second attempt after Nnadozie was penalised to have come off the line just before the first which grazed the post.
With Nigeria sitting ducks in defence as a result of Ebere's red, France held on for the victory.
The Super Falcons will wait for the outcome of games in the other groups to confirm their place in the last 16.
Starting XI: Nnadozie, Ebi, Okeke, Ohale, Ebere, Ayinde, Chikwelu, Okobi, Ordega, Oparanozie, Oshoala.
Emmanuel Chinaza
Photo Credit : fifa.com
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