Soccer
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Ghana in their final preparatory match ahead of the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Following a gritty goalless draw against Portugal in Lisbon, the Falcons were eager to lay down a marker before heading into continental battle.
Ghana, meanwhile, entered the fixture in high spirits, having posted back-to-back wins over Malawi (3-1) and Benin Republic (4-2) as they continue their revival under new leadership.
The opening half-hour saw both sides trade possession in an evenly contested affair.
But it was Nigeria who eventually took control, with forward Chinwendu Ihezuo breaking the deadlock in the 34th minute — her second goal for the national team.
Just before half-time, Asisat Oshoala doubled Nigeria’s lead from the penalty spot, calmly converting after a foul inside the box. The goal marked a personal milestone for the Barcelona striker, her first for Nigeria since October 2023 and her first for club or country in 2025.
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Buoyed by their momentum, the Super Falcons came out firing in the second half.
Within five minutes of the restart, Rasheedat Ajibade extended the lead to 3-0 with a confident finish — her third goal in just two appearances, having netted a brace against Cameroon earlier this month.
Ghana began to threaten as Nigeria eased off the pace.
Midfielder Evelyn Badu thought she had pulled one back, only for her effort to be ruled out for offside. But the Black Queens eventually got their reward in the 88th minute when Alice Kusi converted from the penalty spot to notch a deserved consolation goal.
Despite the late goal, the Super Falcons saw out the win comfortably, a morale-boosting result as they turn their focus to their WAFCON opener against North African heavyweights Tunisia on July 6.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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