Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Tuesday, October 31, defeated Ethiopia at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja to reach the final qualifying round for the 2024 Paris Olympics Women’s football event.
The second qualifying round 2nd-leg encounter teams started at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja with both teams tied 1-1 on aggregate from the first-leg at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa, last week.
After a long period of sustained pressure, Nigeria took the lead on the stroke of halftime courtesy of striker Uchenna Kanu.
In the second half, Asisat Oshoala raced into the Ethiopian penalty area before passing to matchday skipper, Rasheedat Ajibade to score and put the Super Falcons 2-0 up in front of their fans who were allowed to watch the game without ticket fees as the NFF rallied support for Nigeria’s bid to return to the Olympic games for the first time since Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Reigning Africa Women’s footballer of the year, Asisat Oshoala who was only yesterday ranked 20th best on the Ballon D’or Women’s awards list, added a third when she scored with a header from his inside the penalty area for the Super Falcons in the 68th minute.
In the 72nd minute, Oshoala again served Atletico Madrid Femininé forward Rasheedat Ajibade to bag her brace to add gloss to the rout as Nigeria cruised into the final qualifying round with 4-0 win and 5-1 aggregate result over the Lucy’ of Ethiopia.
Justin Madugu and Ann Chiejine took charge of the Falcons in Randy Waldrum’s abscence and will receive commendation for a job well done.
The Super Falcons will now face the aggregate-winner of the Cameroun vs Uganda match for a spot at the Football event of the Paris 2024 Olympic games.
