The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Wednesday defeated the Lady Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 in Abidjan to reach the finals of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).
Nigeria, the nine-time African champions, qualified for the 2022 AWCON by defeating Cote d’Ivoire on 3-0 aggregate.
They had beaten their opponents 2-0 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday after a brace from Gotham FC striker Ifeoma Onumonu.
On Wednesday, the Ivorians threw everything into the return leg encounter at the Stade Robert Champroux.
But they met a steely Nigerian defence and an inspired goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who would not give an inch
Falcons’ coach Randy Waldrum made two changes to the starting line-up from the first leg, bringing in midfielder Regina Otu and forward Francisca Ordega, and this worked.
The lively Ordega thought she had given Nigeria the lead halfway into the first period, but Nigerien referee Zouwaira Souley ruled it out.
