The Super Falcons triumphed with a 2-1 win against Cape Verde at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia, earning them a spot in next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In the reverse encounter at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja last Thursday, the Nigerian side showcased dominance with a resounding 5-0 victory. This convincing performance featured a brace from Uchenna Kanu, along with goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Gift Monday.
Despite missing star striker Asisat Oshoala and defender Ashleigh Plumptre, the Nigerian team aimed for a repeat show in Cape Verde.
However, the hosts had other plans and demonstrated their intentions early with an 8th-minute goal from Racing Power striker, Ivania Moreira.
The Super Falcons pressed for an equalizer, but Cape Verde maintained their lone goal advantage into halftime.
The second half saw a Nigerian press, with coach Justin Madugu substituting Okoronkwo for Kanu.
Despite an initially disallowed 55th-minute goal from Okoronkwo, the UD Tenerife forward later secured a solo finish, maintaining the five-goal aggregate tally.
Okoronkwo continued to challenge the Cape Verde defense, almost providing an assist for Toni Payne, who, unfortunately, couldn’t beat the opposition goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues.
Acting captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to giving the Falcons the lead, but her effort narrowly missed the post. Rodrigues faced constant pressure from Payne and Okoronkwo, keeping the scoreline deadlocked.
The breakthrough for the Super Falcons finally came in the 93rd minute from Ajibade, sealing the crucial victory and securing their place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.”
