The Super Falcons could potentially face either South Africa or Tanzania in the final round for the Olympic ticket. South Africa are considered favorites to advance, having secured a convincing 3-0 away victory against Tanzania.
The Super Falcons have endured a 16-year drought in Olympic qualification, with their last appearance at the Olympics occurring in 2008. They previously participated in the Olympics in 2000, 2004, and 2008.
Big Super Eagles and Super Falcons supporter Dr. Kelechi Anyikude posted a message on X in support of our girls.
“Went to support @NGSuper_Falcons at their Olympic Qualifier match against Cameroon in Abuja. Congrats Super Falcons for the win 👏🏾. Always glad to support the growth of sports in Nigeria 🙏”
How Super Falcons became victorious
Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 aggregate victory over Cameroon in the third round of qualifiers for the Olympic Games. Despite being held to a goalless draw at the Stade de la Réunification in Douala on Friday, the Falcons managed to score a crucial goal against the Cameroonians at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Monday.
The Falcons secured a narrow victory over the Lionesses, but they were on the edge as the visitors could have inflicted significant damage if they had scored a late away goal in the tie.
Nigeria had numerous opportunities to seal the game in the first half, capitalizing on a strong start to the encounter. Esther Okoronkwo’s first-half goal proved to be the decisive factor in a tightly contested match. Okoronkwo found herself in the perfect position to slot the ball home from close range following a superb slalom run into the box by Jennifer Echegini.
Despite their strong start, Nigeria’s chances of securing a comfortable victory were hindered by poor finishing from players like Echegini, Ajibade, Toni Payne, and Esther Okoronkwo. This left Nigeria clinging to their lead as Cameroon gained momentum in the second half. Chiamaka Nnadozie’s crucial saves kept Nigeria in the game as Cameroon pressed forward, threatening to level the score and change the dynamics of the encounter with an away goal.
Head coach Randy Waldrum made a bold move by benching Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala and opting to start Esther Okoronkwo in attack. Additionally, Juventus star Jennifer Echegini earned a spot in the starting eleven after being on the bench during the first leg. This decision paid off as both Echegini and Okoronkwo combined to score the crucial goal that propelled Nigeria closer to realizing their Olympic aspirations.
In addition to their goal-scoring contributions, both players displayed class and determination with the ball, energizing the Super Falcons’ attack throughout the first half. Despite coming off the bench in the second half, Oshoala made a valuable contribution. However, coach Waldrum’s decision to start Okoronkwo proved to be pivotal, and he will likely be grateful for trusting his instincts in making that call.
It’s truly a delight to witness the Pittsburg Panthers midfielder commanding the midfield with such grace and skill. Once again, Deborah Abiodun showcased her mercurial talent, playing a key role in midfield as the Super Falcons asserted their dominance in the first half.
With her precise movements, tenacity in retaining possession, and constant search for forward passes, Abiodun exemplified the essence of a perfect midfielder, offering the Cameroonians a masterclass in midfield play. However, her influence slightly diminished after Christy Ucheibe was moved back to defense due to an injury to center-back Oluwatosin Demehin.
Super Falcons will face Tanzania or South Africa in the final round of qualifiers. Only two teams will represent Africa at the 2024 Olympics.
The 2024 Olympics is billed to take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.