The Super Falcons booked their place in the final of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco after battling to a narrow 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa at the Stade Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Footynaija.com reports.
Both Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo were on target from the penalty spot on either side of half time to keep what was a tightly contested affair level up until the dying embers of the game when Michelle Alozie’s stunning long-range strike crept into the back of the net.
As Nigeria awaits one of Morocco or Ghana in the final, Footynija.com takes a look at how the Falcons fared against Banyana Banyana.
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GK: Chiamaka Nnadozie – 6.0
Nnadozie conceded her first goal of the tournament after Motlhalo’s coolly taken penalty. Other than that, she had a pretty decent outing between the sticks.
LB: Michelle Alozie – 7.5
Alozie took matters into her own hands late in the game, with her 35-yard strike in stoppage time finding its way into the back of the net to seal the win for Nigeria. Defensively, she had a decent command of her area of the pitch for the majority of the game.
CB: Osinachi Ohale – 6.0
Ohale has been virtually flawless at the heart of defense for the Super Falcons heading into this semi-final, but it was her needless challenge inside the box that allowed South Africa to get back into the game and end Nigeria’s clean sheet run.
CB: Oluwatosin Demehin – 6.5
Demehin maintained her track record of solid defensive performances at this tournament. The Galatasaray defender hardly put a foot wrong all game.
RB: Ashleigh Plumptre – 6.5
One of Nigeria’s best performers at this year’s tournament, Plumptre was once again impressive down that right-hand side of defense. Although Banyana Banyana occasionally looked threatening down the flanks, the former Leicester City defender largely stayed in charge.
MF: Echegini Onyinyechi – 6.0
Echegini enjoyed a decent first half performance where she helped Nigeria dominate proceedings in the middle of the park. However, the Super Falcons lost control in the second half after Motlhalo drew Banyana Banyana level from the spot.
MF: Halimatu Ayinde – 6.0
Just like her midfield partner, Ayinde’s control of proceedings in the middle of the park faded as South Africa began to make in-roads in the second half.
MF: Rasheedat Ajibade – 7.0
Ajibade’s calmly converted penalty late in the first half marked her third goal in high-stakes clashes against South Africa. Beyond finding the net, she showcased her leadership in midfield, dictating the tempo, pressing relentlessly, and serving as a commanding vocal presence throughout.
FW: Folashade Ijamilusi – 6.0
Getting her second start at the tournament after coming good against Zambia in the quarterfinals, Ijamilusi put on a decent display out there in Casablanca. She didn’t see enough of the ball as she would’ve probably liked but it was a good outing overall.
FW: Esther Okoronkwo – 6.5
Okoronkwo did not score or assist in this game but she was a very lively presence at the Stade Larbi Zaouli throughout her time on the pitch. She ran the channels to good effect and her hold up play was impressive as usual.
FW: Chiwendu Ihezuo – 6.5
While the Super Falcons’ top scorer didn’t get the chance to add to her tally against Banyana Banyana, her impressive work rate came to the fore. She tracked back relentlessly, helping out Plumptre down that right-hand side of defense.
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