One goal in each half gave Nigeria a two-goal first-leg advantage over Cote d’Ivoire in an African Women Nations Cup (AWCON) qualifier played in Abuja Friday evening.
The match, a Morocco 2022 AWCON qualifier saw the Super Falcons turning back the Lady Elephants by two unreplied goals inside the newly refurbished Moshood Abiola Stadium in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
Ifeoma Onumonu gave the Falcons the lead in the 21st minute of the first half, ramming home from close range after the opposing goalkeeper failed to hold on to a shot which led to a goalmouth scramble and then the opportunity to score which the Nigerian attacker grabbed with both hands.
The first half belonged to the Nigerian team but the same could not be said of the 2nd half as the ladies from Cote d’Ivoire completely took over proceedings shortly after going behind again ten minutes into the 2nd half of play.
The floppy Ivorienne defence allowed the Nigerian attacker, Ifeoma Onumonu time and space to lob the ball over an onrushing goalkeeper for the 2nd goal of the match but that was the turning point as the visitors then turned on the heat on Nigeria till the end of the game with Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Falcons goalkeeper making saves after saves from ceaseless attack from Coted’Ivoire.
The referee’s final whistle was a respite for Nigeria as the Ivoriennes mounted pressure upon pressure on the host who had retorted to kicking the ball wide and fouling their opponents to stop their attack and kill time at the same time.
An interesting 2nd leg awaits in Abidjan in 5 days as the battle for which team makes it to Morocco for the Women championship billed for June 2022 is expected to be settled. Nigeria takes the first leg advantage 2-0.
