By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria sealed their place at the 2024 Women Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) in grand style after dispatching Cape Verde 7-1 on aggregate.
The Super Falcons came from a goal down to grind out a tough 2-1 victory against Cape Verde.
Esther Okoronkwo and captain, Rasheedat Ajibade were on target to sweep aside the Cape Verde team.
Just coming off an impressive 5-0 victory over Cape Verde in the first leg in Abuja, reality dawned on the Falcons as the Cape Verdeans took the lead in the eight minute through Ivania Moreira.
Nigeria came close on two occasionally to level the scoreline in the first half but were unlucky not to hit the back of the net in a pulsating half.
The Falcons thought they had grabbed the equalizer in the 55th minute but Okoronkwo’s goal was chalked off for offside.
Seven minutes later, Okoronkwo got it right to power home the equalizer with an incredible solo effort.
Toni Payne almost gave the Falcons the lead in the 69th minute but her effort couldn’t beat the Cape Verde goalkeeper, Jacinta Rodrigues.
Substitute, Rinsola Babajide was inches away from netting her first goal for Nigeria but her effort went inches off the goal post.
Skipper, Ajibade finally laid the game to rest as she gave Nigeria a 2-1 deserved lead at the dearth of the game.
With the win, Nigeria have qualified for the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco.
