Sports

Nigeria compensates for AFCON failure, with AWCON pass

Published

9 years ago

April 13, 2016

Nigeria will be one of the eight countries that will participate in the 10th African Women Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon, 19th November – 3rd December this year.

The Cup holders saw off the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal with a 2-0 win in Abuja.

Goals by midfielders Rita Chikwelu and Osarenoma Igbinovia, in either half, sent the Falcons soaring to a 3-1 aggregate win over the Senegalese.

Both teams had drawn 1-1 in Dakar, Senegal, on Friday.

The seven –time African champions fluffed a hatful of chances in the first half.

The Arsenal FC of England new signing Asisat Oshoala looked a lot less sharp than her usual self.

Forward Desire Oparanozie was forced to start from the bench as a result of the injury she sustained in the first leg.

Oshoala even failed to convert from the penalty spot after Ebere Orji was upended in the box.

However, Chikwelu connected a brilliant pass to put Nigeria in front in the 36th minute.

Igbinovia was at the right place to connect another brilliant pass from the right just a minute into the second half.

That somehow settled the nerves of dignitaries and spectators at the National Stadium, Abuja.

At the match were NFF President Amaju Pinnick, 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi and 2nd Vice President/LMC chairman Shehu Dikko.

Other were NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Executive Committee members Ibrahim Gusau, Chris Green and Babagana Kalli, et al.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation [NFF] has shifted focus now on 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation issued a statement following the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The NFF, like most Nigerians, was saddened by the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final competition.

It followed a 1-0 defeat by seven –time African champions Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday, 29th March 2016.

NFF saw this failure to qualify as an unfortunate turn of events, because it came despite the undoubted efforts of the Coaching crew.

The crew was led by Coach Samson Siasia and the players led by the captain, Mikel Obi.

NFF leadership supported the technical crew and also provided necessary support regarding comfortable traveling arrangement and accommodation for the team’s home and away matches.

Football is the paramount national pastime in Nigeria, hence, the disappointment in the land.

NFF craved the indulgence of all to continue to support the team and the NFF.

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