Nigeria’s Pre-WAFCON Triumph: A Detailed Account of Their Victory Over Ghana
Nigeria concluded their preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a resounding 3-1 victory against their West African rivals, Ghana, in a friendly match held in Casablanca, Morocco. This match served as the final tune-up for both teams before the commencement of the continental tournament, scheduled to kick off on July 5th in Morocco. The Super Falcons entered the game with high morale following a goalless draw against Portugal in their previous friendly. Coach Justin Madugu fielded a formidable starting lineup, boasting key players such as Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Deborah Abiodun, demonstrating Nigeria’s intent to secure a positive result. Tochukwu Oluehi filled in for regular goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, while the defensive line was anchored by Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, and Ashleigh Plumptre.
The initial stages of the match witnessed a balanced contest, with both teams displaying aggressive pressing but struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. The deadlock was finally broken in the 34th minute when Gift Monday’s powerful shot deflected off a Ghanaian defender and found its way into the net. Although initially appearing as an own goal, the goal was ultimately credited to Ihezuo, as her shot was on target and forced the deflection. Nigeria’s lead was doubled just before halftime after they were awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box. Asisat Oshoala confidently stepped up and converted the spot-kick, extending Nigeria’s advantage to 2-0.
The second half mirrored the closing stages of the first, with Nigeria maintaining their attacking pressure and Ghana struggling to retain possession. In the 51st minute, the Super Falcons further solidified their dominance by scoring their third goal. Rasheedat Ajibade, capitalizing on a swift attacking move, finished with a clinical strike, leaving the Ghanaian goalkeeper with no chance. Ghana briefly thought they had pulled a goal back four minutes later when Evelyn Badu found the net, but her effort was disallowed due to an offside call.
Despite trailing by three goals, Ghana persevered and were awarded a penalty in the final stages of the match following a foul inside the Nigerian penalty area. Alice Kusi confidently converted the penalty in the 88th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, this proved to be Ghana’s only consolation, as the Super Falcons effectively managed the remaining minutes, neutralizing any further threats and securing a convincing victory. The triumph provided Nigeria with a valuable boost of confidence heading into their opening WAFCON match against Tunisia.
The match showcased Nigeria’s attacking prowess and provided an opportunity for the team to refine their strategies ahead of the tournament. The performance of key players like Oshoala and Ajibade highlighted their importance to the team’s success. The defensive stability, despite conceding a late penalty, also offered encouragement for the Super Falcons. The victory against a regional rival like Ghana holds particular significance, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as one of the tournament favorites.
The friendly against Ghana served as a crucial dress rehearsal for Nigeria, allowing the coaching staff to assess the team’s readiness and identify any areas needing improvement before the start of WAFCON. The match provided valuable playing time for the squad and allowed for experimentation with different tactical approaches. The win also provided a psychological advantage, instilling confidence and reinforcing the team’s belief in their ability to compete at the highest level. The Super Falcons now enter the WAFCON tournament with positive momentum, eager to make a strong statement and contend for the championship. The victory over Ghana serves as a reminder of their potential and their determination to succeed on the continental stage.
