Super Falcons

A late Perpetua Nwkocha goal ensured Nigeria avenged their ouster from the 2012 Olympics by Cameroon with a 2-1 win yesterday at the on-going African Women’s Championships.

Defending champions Nigeria thus began their defence of the AWC title in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, on a winning note.

The water-logged pitch adversely affected the standard of play and denied both sides a chance to play a free-flowing game and express themselves.

The Super Falcons started the game on an impressive note as they dominated the first stanza and deservely took the lead at the tail end of the first half when Onyinyechi Ohagugha fired a canon from 20 yards.

The Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon fought back on resumption, but it was the Nigerians who would have doubled the lead in 49th minute when Stella Mbachu’s 19-yard shot hit the crossbar.

Cameroon then drew level via a 53rd minute penalty converted by skipper Patience Mani after a Nigerian defender committed an infringement inside the box.

They then dominated the better part of second half and would have taken the lead when Louni fired wide in front of an open net after Precious Dede in goal for Nigeria spilled the ball.

Substitute Ngozi Okobi brought life to Nigeria attack and her pullout found the durable Perpetua Nkwocha at far post to connect home with a diving header in the 90th minute to seal a hard-earned victory for the African champions.

In Sunday’s opening game, hosts Equatorial Guinea pipped South Africa 1-0.