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2024 Olympic Qualifier: Super Falcons Beat Cameroon To Secure Final Round Ticket
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured their spot in the final qualifying round of the 2024 Olympic Games after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Monday.
Under the guidance of Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons emerged victorious in the two-legged tie with a 1-0 aggregate score.
Right from the start, the Super Falcons displayed their dominance and managed to take the lead in the 14th minute courtesy of Esther Okoronkwo. Okoronkwo, who was chosen over Asisat Oshoala in the starting lineup, found the back of the net amidst a goalmouth scramble.
As the game progressed, the hosts continued to apply pressure on the Indomitable Lionesses, creating more scoring opportunities. In the 61st minute, Juventus midfielder Jennifer Echegini came close to extending Nigeria’s lead, but her attempt from close range was thwarted by the Cameroon goalkeeper.
Super Falcons vs Cameroon
Okoronkwo squandered a golden opportunity to increase the Super Falcons’ lead six minutes before halftime.
The striker was presented with a fantastic long pass from Ashleigh Plumptre, but she unfortunately fired the ball over the crossbar.
Nigeria made a substitution four minutes before halftime, bringing on Halimat Ayinde in place of Oluwatosin Demehin.
No goals were scored in the second half.
Cameroon’s star player, Enganemben Annie, was shown a red card for unsporting behaviour in the dying moments of stoppage time.
In the final round, the Super Falcons will face either South Africa or Tanzania, the reigning African champions.
South Africa currently holds a 3-0 advantage from the first leg.
