The Super Falcons comprehensively defeated Ethiopia 4-0 on Tuesday evening, to advance to the next round of Olympic qualifying.
The match, played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, saw the hosts put on a dominant performance after having disappointingly drawn the first leg 1-1 last week.
There were two changes to the starting XI as Rofiat Imuran and Ifeoma Onumonu started. The Falcons almost went ahead early through star striker Asisat Oshoala, but she was unable to convert a one-on-one chance in the 24th minute. Just before halftime, Uchenna Kanu calmly slotted home to give Nigeria the lead after a pinpoint pass from defender Oluwatosin Demehin.
The floodgates opened in the second half, with Barcelona’s Oshoala finally getting on the scoresheet with a textbook header in the 68th minute. In between Oshoala’s goal, Atlético Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade netted a brace to pad Nigeria’s lead. Her first finish in the 50th minute came from an assist by Oshoala, and she wrapped up the scoring in the 72nd minute after combining well with Oshoala again.
The emphatic 4-0 result, coming after the initial draw, sees Nigeria through 5-1 on aggregate. They will next face either Cameroon or Uganda in the penultimate qualifying round for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. After their dominant display, the Super Falcons will be full of confidence heading into the next round.
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