February 26, (THEWILL) – Esther Okoronkwo was the heroine for Nigeria on Monday evening, scoring the only goal of the match in a 1-0 victory over Cameroon.
Okoronkwo’s strike in the 14th minute, capitalising on a scramble in the box, proved enough for the Super Falcons to advance to the next stage of Olympic qualifying with a 1-0 aggregate scoreline.
The Falcons started strong at the MKO Abiola Stadium, with Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade threatening early. Yet, it was the visitors who registered the first shot on target before Okoronkwo broke through. Jennifer Echegini did well to force her way into the area, with her dribbling run creating the chaos that enabled the Falcons striker to finish off.
Echegini later had a chance herself saved from close range by Cameroonian keeper Biya Carthy, who also denied Ajibade from point-blank range before the break. Coach Randy Waldrum was forced into a change just before halftime as Tosin Demehin made way through injury for Halimatu Ayinde.
The second period saw fewer clear openings, though substitute Asisat Oshoala nearly created something with a driving run into the box. In the end, Okoronkwo’s early strike and Chiamaka Nnadozie’s alertness in goal were enough for a place in the next round against South Africa or Tanzania.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
