Falcons in Cape Verde to Pick WAFCON 2024 Ticket Today

*S’Africa, Algeria join hosts Morocco as early qualified teams

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The Super Falcons will this evening take on Cape Verde in the second leg of the final qualifying game for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON finals in Morocco.

The return leg encounter will begin at 4pmCape Verde time (6pmNigeria time) today.

The nine-time African champions spanked Cape Verde, a country situated inside the Atlantic Ocean, some way off the extreme wing of West African sub region, 5-0 in the first leg played in Abuja last Thursday.

The Nigeria contingent arrived in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia on Sunday morning, and after a light workout same day, yesterday had their official training at the Santiago-Estádio Nacional Cabo Verde, venue of the match at 4pmCape Verde time (6pmNigeria time) yesterday.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) described as ‘admirable’ the mental toughness displayed by midfielder Peace Efih in helping the Super Falcons to the five-goal spanking of Cape Verde in the first leg.

Efih’s biological mother breathed her last 48 hours before the clash with Cape Verde, but the player was her hard-as-nails self in defensive midfield as she paired captain Rasheedat Ajibade and petite Deborah Abiodun to supply the ammunition that dismantled the visitors at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

President of NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said: “We must commend, specially, the mental strength and fortitude of Peace Efih, who lost her mother two days ago but opted to remain in camp and help the team to win well today. Hers is an example of a super patriot who will give everything for the good of the motherland.

Efih’s toughness and productivity earned the Falcons a 5-0 win in Abuja, making today’s return leg in the island nation all but a mere formality for the nine-time champions.

Yesterday evening, cup holders, South Africa, qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 home win over Burkina Faso in the second leg of their second qualifying round tie.

Having drawn the first leg 1-1 in Yamoussoukro on Thursday, Linda Motlhalo’s 55th-minute penalty put Banyana Banyana ahead on aggregate in Pretoria.

Nicole Michael wrapped up victory with four minutes remaining as Desiree Ellis’ side became the second country to confirm their place at next year’s tournament after hosts Morocco.

In Burundi, Algeria also finished the job away from home with a 1-0 win over the East African nation to make a return to the competition after missing out on the 2022 edition in Morocco.

Going into the clash with a comfortable 5-1 lead at home, the North Africans had a relatively easy return leg against Burundi who had a very tough mountain to climb in reversing the lead.

TODAY

(Final Rd, 2nd Leg)

C’Verde v Nigeria (0-5)

Egypt v Senegal (0-4)

Guinea v Mali (2-7)

Togo v Tanzania (0-3)

Botswana v Kenya (1-1)

Congo v Tunisia (2-5)

Zambia v Angola (6-0)

DR Congo v E’Guinea (1-1)

Namibia v Ghana (1-3)

Results