In a heart-pounding match at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia, the Super Falcons of Nigeria secured their place in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cape Verde. The thrilling encounter saw the Nigerian side overcoming an early setback to claim victory in the dying moments of the game.
The Super Falcons entered the match with confidence after a commanding 5-0 win in the reverse encounter at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. Despite missing star striker Asisat Oshoala and defender Ashleigh Plumptre, the team, led by coach Justin Madugu, remained determined to replicate their previous success.
Cape Verde, however, had other plans and quickly made their intentions known with an 8th-minute goal from Racing Power striker, Ivania Moreira. The Super Falcons pressed for an equalizer throughout the first half, but the Cape Verde side displayed resolute defense, maintaining their one-goal advantage at halftime.
The second half saw a renewed Nigerian press, with Madugu making a strategic substitution by bringing in Esther Okoronkwo for Uchenna Kanu. Okoronkwo, who had earlier thought she secured an equalizer in the 55th minute only to be ruled offside, finally found the back of the net with a solo finish, maintaining the five-goal aggregate tally.
Okoronkwo continued to be a formidable force, nearly providing an assist for Toni Payne, whose attempt was thwarted by Cape Verde's goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues. Acting captain Rasheedat Ajibade also came close to giving the Falcons the lead, but her effort narrowly missed the target.
As Rodrigues fended off relentless attacks from Payne and Okoronkwo, the breakthrough finally came in the 93rd minute when Ajibade, the acting captain, secured the win for the Super Falcons. The victory not only cements Nigeria's place in the upcoming WAFCON but also underscores the team's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
