Nigeria’s Super Falcons hope of qualifying for the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations received a boost on Friday after their 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Goals in both halves from Ifeoma Onumonu ensured that Nigeria would take a two-goal lead into the second leg in Ivory Coast.
The eleven-time African Champions were favourites going into the tie, but memories of how the Lady Elephants stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the 2020 Olympics are still fresh.
The Super Falcons started the game on top as expected. They dictated the play from the blast of the whistle, trying to carve out the Ivory Coast backline.
Nigeria got their noses in front in the 21st minute through Ifeoma Onumonu, as she received a pass from Esther Okoronkwo to fire home from close range.
After the goal, the Lady Elephants came out to attack but saves from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie kept the eleven-time Champions in the game.
The Super Falcon held their own defensively to see out their lead till halftime.
Nigeria started the second half with high intensity, and just ten minutes after the break, they got rewarded, and it was Onumonu again. She placed a neat lob of a finish behind the Ivorian keeper to grab a brace for herself.
Captain Asisat Oshoala was not listed in the matchday squad due to personal issues, but Onome Ebi stepped up and marshalled her teammates properly. She, alongside debutante, Ashleigh Plumptre, kept it tight at the back.
The Lady Elephants poured a late flurry of attacks at the Super Falcons, but they held out for a 2-0 victory.
The Super Falcons travel to Abidjan for the second leg on Wednesday, and they just need to avoid a three-goal margin defeat to claim the ticket for the Championship in Morocco.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
