In a qualifying match for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Nigerian senior women’s football team, Super Falcons, faced a tough challenge against the Ethiopian team, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade played a crucial role in equalizing the score at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
She unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, leveling the game just six minutes after the restart. The Ethiopian team had taken an early lead in the 6th minute through a corner kick converted by Birkie Amare.
With key players like Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, and Gift Monday in the lineup, the Falcons aimed to assert their dominance.
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Michelle Alozie moved to left back to allow Nicole Payne to control the right back position. The central defense was managed by Oluwatosin Demehin and Akudo Ogbonna.
Facing a few challenges due to unavailable players such as Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, the Falcons looked to Peace Efih to support Toni Payne and Ajibade in midfield.
The first half of the game saw limited opportunities for both teams, with Oshoala having a chance to make a difference but falling short in the early stages.
Following Ajibade’s equalizer, the Super Falcons gained control of the match, and substitute Ifeoma Onumonu nearly put Nigeria in the lead in the 64th minute but was denied by the opposition.
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Payne and Onumonu combined to create a clear-cut opportunity in the 79th minute, but once again, Oshoala was unable to convert it.
In the dying moments of the game, Onumonu appeared to have secured a victory for the Falcons with a headed goal. However, the goal was disallowed by Algerian referee Lamia Atman, who detected foul play in the build-up.
The two teams are set to face off again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday. The winner on aggregate will advance to the third round, where they will meet the winner of the Cameroon/Uganda fixture.