2024 Paris Olympic games qualifier: Nigeria’s Super Falcons hold Cameroon in Doaula
A tough 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Cameroon ended in a goalless draw at the Reunification Stadium, Doaula, on Friday, February 23, 2024.
Coach Randy Waldrum assembled a strong Super Falcons lineup, which included players like Asisat Oshoala, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Rasheedat Ajibade in the starting eleven.
However, Cameroon utilized their home advantage well, applying pressure on the Super Falcons from the start.
Cameroon created an early opportunity in the 11th minute with some skillful passing but failed to convert. The Super Falcons also had their chances, with Toni Payne missing a key opportunity to set up Oshoala in the box.
Cameroon dominated possession early in the game and Nigeria will have goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to thankmfor making crucial saves to keep the score level.
At halftime, Waldrum made strategic substitutions, bringing in Jennifer Echigini and Esther Okoronkwo for Halimatu Ayinde and Payne, respectively.
In the second half, Cameroon continued to press, but Nnadozie’s alertness prevented them from scoring. Nigeria had their moment in the 54th minute when Okoronkwo headed in a cross from Plumptre, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
As the game progressed, both teams struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, leading to a goalless draw at the final whistle. The stage is now set for an exciting second leg in Abuja next Monday.
The winner of this encounter will pick an automatic ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic games.
