Credit: NFF
Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, clinched a spot in the final round of the African qualifying series for the 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a hard-fought victory over Cameroon’s Lionesses.
Esther Okoronkwo’s 15th-minute goal at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja proved decisive in a tense 180-minute battle over two legs.
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The match remained scoreless for 105 minutes across both legs before Okoronkwo broke the deadlock. The Henan FC of China forward showcased her speed and skill, receiving a long pass from the defense, outpacing her markers, and delivering a clinical finish after the Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina parried a shot from Nigeria’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, into her path.
Cameroon had their chances, with Menene Meyong coming close from a corner kick in the 32nd minute, only to be denied by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Nigeria also had opportunities, but Bihina made crucial saves to keep the scoreline close.
In the second half, Cameroon pressed for an equalizer, but Nnadozie continued to thwart their efforts. The match ended on a sour note for Cameroon as substitute Marie Enganemben was sent off for pushing Nnadozie during a confrontation.
The victory sets up an exciting final-round fixture between Nigeria and South Africa in April, with the winner qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
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