The Super Falcons of Nigeria secured their spot in the final qualifying round of the 2024 Olympic Games after a hard-fought 1-0 win against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Monday.
Randy Waldrum’s team won the two-legged tie 1-0 on aggregate.
The Super Falcons started the game strong and scored in the 14th minute, thanks to Esther Okoronkwo. Okoronkwo, who was chosen to start over Asisat Oshoala, found the back of the net after a scramble in front of the goal.
The home team continued to put pressure on the Indomitable Lionesses and created more scoring opportunities.
Juventus midfielder Jennifer Echegini almost doubled Nigeria’s lead just after the hour mark, but the Cameroon goalkeeper made a close-range save to deny her.
Okoronkwo missed a great opportunity to score a second goal for the Super Falcons just before halftime.
She was set up by a fantastic long ball from Ashleigh Plumptre, but unfortunately shot over the bar.
Nigeria made a substitution just before halftime, with Halimat Ayinde coming on for Oluwatosin Demehin.
There were no goals scored in the second half.
Cameroon’s Enganemben Annie was shown a red card for unsporting behavior in stoppage time.
The Super Falcons will play against either South Africa or Tanzania in the final round.
South Africa currently leads 3-0 from the first leg.
