5th December, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for next year’s Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after defeating Cape Verde 2-1 away from home on Tuesday in the second leg match.
The Falcons had defeated Cape Verde 5-0 in the first leg played in Nigeria, winning the two legs 7-1 aggregate.
In the second leg played on Tuesday in Praia, Cape Verde took the lead eight minutes into the match from Racing Power striker, Ivania Moreira.
Six minutes later, the Nigerian side almost levelled from their first corner kick, but they were denied.
The homers were content to have held on to their lead in the first half, but the Falcons pressed harder for the equaliser in the second half.
In the 55th minute, substitute Esther Okoronkwo found the back of the net for the Falcons, but her effort was ruled out for offside.
Seven minutes later, Okoronkwo would not be denied as she drew Nigeria level with a solo finish.
Okoronkwo also set up Toni Payne but the latter could not beat the Cape Verde goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues.
Acting captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to scoring but her effort went inches wide.
A minute into added time, Okoronkwo forced Cape Verde’s goalkeeper to make another save in search of a late matchwinner.
Ajibade finally scored Nigeria’s second goal three minutes into added time to make it 1-2 for Nigeria.
