Super Falcons of Nigeria defeats Lady Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 in Abidjan
Written by News Room on February 24, 2022
The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Wednesday defeated the Lady Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 in Abidjan to reach the finals of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).
Nigeria, the nine-time African champions, qualified for the 2022 AWCON by defeating Cote d’Ivoire on 3-0 aggregate. Nigeria will, therefore, make a record 12th appearance at the AWCON in Morocco in June.
They had beaten their opponents 2-0 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday after a brace from Gotham FC striker Ifeoma Onumonu.
On Wednesday, the Ivorians threw everything into the return leg encounter at the Stade Robert Champroux. But they met a steely Nigerian defence and an inspired goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who would not give an inch.
A minute to the end, Esther Okoronkwo, winning only her second cap for Nigeria, scored the back-breaker to secure a 3-0 aggregate win for the Super Falcons.
Reports say the victory and qualification for Morocco 2022 was sweet revenge over the Lady Elephants, who bumped the Falcons on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Ango Bally
