Falcons set to appear in 12th consecutive AWCON

[FILES] The Nigerian Women’s National Team, the Super Falcons

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are aiming for a 12th appearance at the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), has always featured in the event since its inception in 1991.

They are the most successful team in the tournament, with nine titles to their credit and are currently looking forward to defending their title in Morocco.

However, the Lady Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire stand in their way to achieving their goal, as the Nigerian team arrived in Abidjan for the return leg of the final fixture of the AWCON qualifiers, billed for Wednesday.

Coach Randy Waldrum ladies had earlier survived a scare, narrowly defeating Black Queens of Ghana 2-1 on aggregate, in the previous round.

They also claimed a 2-0 victory over the Ivorians on Friday, in Abuja, in the first leg, with debutant Ifeoma Onomonu scoring a brace, to give the team a fair chance of qualifying.

Although the hosts won the game, the visitors gave them a good run for their money as the Falcons had to struggle to check the attacking duo, Christine Yeble and Amenah Kacou at bay.

France-based goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was forced to make numerous saves while defender Ashleigh Plumptre, had to work extra hard on the left side to silence the Ivorians, and captain Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale kept things in check on the right.

The last 20 minutes of the match saw Nigeria struggle to survive the onslaught of the Ivorians before Burkinabe referee Jacqueline Nikiema whistled for the end of the game.

Meanwhile, high scoring Elephants had earlier defeated their counterparts in the Niger Republic 20-0 on aggregate in the first round, demonstrating that they were not a side to treat with levity.

At the Stade Robert Champroux in