The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team, redeemed themselves with a resounding 4-0 victory over Ethiopia, sealing their place in the next round of the Olympic qualifiers.
The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw in Addis Ababa, but the Falcons turned the tables in the return leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Atletico Madrid star Rasheedat Ajibade played a pivotal role, scoring a brace to propel the Super Falcons to victory. Nigeria fielded a strong lineup, featuring notable players such as Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne.
The Super Falcons had several early chances, with Oshoala coming close to scoring in the 24th minute. However, she was unable to convert her one-on-one opportunity. Four minutes later, Nnadozie Chiamaka’s header narrowly missed the target.
Nevertheless, the breakthrough came just before halftime, in the 45th minute, when Uchenna Kanu unleashed a brilliant strike to give Nigeria the lead.
In the 50th minute, Oshoala displayed her class by dribbling into the box and setting up Ajibade, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Oshoala found the back of the net herself in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Uchenna Kanu to make it three goals for the nine-time African champions.
Ajibade added her second and Nigeria’s fourth goal in the 72nd minute, capitalizing on an assist from Oshoala. This comprehensive 4-0 victory secured the Super Falcons’ progress to the next round of the Olympic qualifiers.
Nigeria will now face the winner of the match between Uganda and Cameroon in the subsequent stage of the competition.
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