Nigeria’s Super Falcons triumph over Cameroon in thrilling Olympics qualifier

Published on by Andrew Randa

Nigeria's Super Falcons soared to victory in a nail-biting showdown against Cameroon, securing their spot in the final round of the African qualifying series for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

The tension was palpable as Esther Okoronkwo's 15th-minute strike at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, ultimately proved to be the decisive moment in a grueling 180-minute duel over two legs.

Nigeria vs Cameroon Super Falcons match review
Photo by NFF media

The match began with both teams locked in a stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock in the first leg in Douala or the initial minutes in Abuja.

However, it was Okoronkwo who seized the opportunity to shine, capitalizing on a precise long ball from the defense.

Okoronkwo breaks Cameroonian hearts

Outpacing her markers with lightning speed, Okoronkwo found captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose deft chip was met by the agile Michaely Bihina. Yet, Bihina's heroic save fell into the path of Okoronkwo, who coolly finished to ignite celebrations among the home crowd.

The encounter was not without its share of drama. Jennifer Echegini, still embroiled in controversy over her disallowed goal in Douala, came close in the 13th minute before Okoronkwo's heroics.

Cameroon responded with vigor, threatening from a corner kick in the 32nd minute, only to be thwarted by the alert Chiamaka Nnadozie.

As the game intensified, both sides traded blows, with Ajibade and Okoronkwo testing Bihina's mettle. In a heart-stopping moment, Cameroon's Mana Lamine missed a golden opportunity just before halftime.

Super Falcons profligate

WhatsApp Image 2024-02-26 at 19.25.41
Photo by NFF Media

The second half saw Bihina stand tall against a barrage of Nigerian attacks, denying Ajibade, Echegini, and the relentless substitutes Akudo Ogbonna and Asisat Oshoala.

Cameroon thought they had equalized when Marie Ngah Manga met a cross, but Nnadozie's acrobatic save kept Nigeria's lead intact.

The tension reached fever pitch when Cameroon's Marie Enganemben was sent off for an ill-tempered clash with Nnadozie, reducing the Lionesses to 10 players.

With victory secured, Nigeria now looks ahead to a tantalizing final round clash against reigning African champions South Africa in April, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between two footballing powerhouses.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons triumph over Cameroon in thrilling Olympics qualifier

Andrew Randa

Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.

Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)