KEHINDE FAJOBI
The Super Falcons have booked a place in the quarterfinal of the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after thrashing Burundi 4-0 in their final group match.
The Super Falcons took the lead in the 25th minute from a penalty kick by Rasheedat Ajibade after the blue-haired striker was brought down in the box by Burundi goalkeeper Jeanine Irakoze.
Barely three minutes after the opening goal, Peace Efih made it 2-0 for Nigeria, aided by an assist from Ajibade.
The Central Africans had barely settled after Nigeria’s second goal when Uchenna Kanu slotted the ball to the empty net to make it 3-0 also from Rasheedat Ajibade’s assist just before halftime.
Uchenna Kanu scored a brace just after the second half to make it 4-0 for Nigeria and after a couple of lost chances, the match ended with four goals in favour of Nigeria and none for Burundi.
With 6 points, Nigeria finished second in Group C albeit with the highest number of goals among all teams in the group stage.
South Africa topped the table with 9 points after beating Botswana by a lone goal in their last group game.
Nigeria will now face Cameroon in the quarterfinals for qualification to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.