In a mesmerizing display of footballing prowess, Nigeria’s Super Falcons resoundingly triumphed over Ethiopia’s Lucy, securing a commanding 4-0 victory in the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.
The breathtaking showdown unfolded at the hallowed grounds of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on a fateful Tuesday, etching an unforgettable chapter in the annals of the sport.
This victory bore even greater significance as it was the culmination of an intense two-legged clash. The first leg in Addis Ababa had concluded in a gripping 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a decisive showdown on Nigerian soil. With a resounding 5-1 aggregate score, the Super Falcons left no room for doubt, emerging as true champions of the encounter.
From the very outset, Nigeria’s supremacy was palpable. They dominated proceedings, orchestrating a symphony of skill and strategy that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Yet, it wasn’t until the brink of halftime that the anticipated moment of brilliance arrived. In the 45th minute, Uchenna Kanu, a virtuoso of the pitch, delivered the opening act.
A long, sweeping pass from Tosin Demehin set the stage for Kanu’s artistry. With sublime composure, she slotted the ball coolly into the net, a testament to her exquisite talent and a fitting crescendo to a fine counterattack by the home team.
As the second half commenced, it took just five minutes for Nigeria to further cement their dominion. Asisat Oshoala, the revered star from FC Barcelona Femeni, showcased her magic on the field.
With deft precision, she sent a tantalizing cross into the Ethiopian box, a siren call for her compatriots. It was Rasheedat Ajibade who answered this call, deftly tapping the ball into the net from close range, elevating the score to a resounding 2-0 for the Super Falcons.
In the 68th minute, Oshoala elevated her performance with a nod of victory. Receiving a cross from the indefatigable Kanu, she sent the crowd at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja into ecstatic jubilation. The stadium pulsated with energy as the Super Falcons’ lead extended to 3-0.
Just four minutes later, Oshoala’s dynamic prowess extended to playmaker, as she raced into the right edge of the Ethiopian box. With an immaculate assist, she set the stage for Ajibade to secure her second goal of the evening and Nigeria’s fourth of the match.
This virtuoso performance resonated with the fans, a testament to the sheer brilliance displayed on the field. Ajibade, the scorer in the 1-1 first-leg draw, now added a new chapter to her story.
In the 85th minute, Michelle Alozie, a beloved figure among the fans, came agonizingly close to amplifying the scoreline further, narrowly missing an opportunity to make it five.
Following this resounding victory, the Super Falcons now look ahead to their next challenge. They will face the winner of the game between Uganda and Cameroon in the upcoming third round of the qualifiers, their journey a testament to their indomitable spirit and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.