July 11, (THEWILL) – With an emphatic 4-0 victory over Group C whipping girls Burundi on Sunday night, at the Moulay Hassan FUS Stadium in Rabat, Nigeria’s Super Falcons guaranteed their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Morocco.
Coach Randy Waldrum of the Super Falcons made four adjustments to the team that defeated Botswana 2-0, placing seasoned competitors like Francesca Ordega and Rita Chikwelu on the bench. Peace Ewomazino Efih, Christy Ucheibe and Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, all came into the starting line-up for the first time.
First half dominance by the nine-time African champions paid off nicely when the Nigerians scored three goals in the span of four minutes with Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade opening the scoring in the 25th minute with a well-taken spot-kick after she was brought down by the keeper in the box.
With a scrambling goal from close range, Efih quickly doubled the advantage. Ajibade turned provider for Uchenna Kanu’s brace and a second goal of hers, in between Kanu’s goals, was disallowed after a VAR review. The last goal was scored just 22 seconds into the second half by which time the game was over as a contest.
The victory sees Nigeria finish Group C standings in second place and on six points, three less than group winners South Africa, who won all three groups stage ties. The Super Falcons will play the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, who finished second in Group B.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
