KEHINDE FAJOBI
Zambia beat Nigeria 1-0 in the third-place match at the ongoing 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations on Friday to secure their first medal at the WAFCON.
After failing to defend their title, losing to Morocco in the semi-final, the Super Falcons had hoped to win the third-place against Zambia as a consolation. They, however, fell to the resolute Shepolopolo at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.
An own goal by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in the first half, gave the Zambians a lead which they held onto till the end of the match.
Although Nigeria had a lot of chances, poor finishing and great goalkeeping from Zambia, denied the Super Falcons a win.
Before the game on Friday, the Super Falcons also failed to show up for their training in protest against unpaid wages and salaries.
The only time Nigeria placed fourth at the WAFCON was 10 years ago when they were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon in the third-place match in 2012.
Having qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Super Falcons will hope to brush away their disappointing WAFCON outing and make a positive impact at the global tournament in 2023.