Paris 2024: Super Falcons Held To A 1-1 Draw By Ethiopia

Super Falcons of Nigeria on Wednesday were held Ethiopia to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, second round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers in Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

The visitors shocked their Nigerian guest in just 6th minute thanks to Birkie Amare, who slotted home from a corner kick scramble.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s scorching shot from the edge of the box, six minutes after the restart, restored parity for the Falcons.

After the equalizer, the eleven time WAFCON champions took full control, and substitute Ifeoma Onumonu should have put Nigeria in the lead in the 64th minute, only to be denied as she cocked the trigger.

Payne and Onumonu combined to create a gilt-edged opportunity in the 79th minute, but once more Oshoala failed to make hay.

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The Falcons thought they had won it in the 92nd minute when Onumonu towered above all to head into the net on the dot of time. However, Algerian referee Lamia Atman spotted foul play in the build-up.

With Asisat Oshoala in the top-striking position, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday operated from the wings, with Michelle Alozie switched to left back to allow Nicole Payne take charge at right back in the absence of Ashleigh Plumptre.

Oluwatosin Demehin and Akudo Ogbonna took control at the centre of the defence, and with Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde unavailable, Peace Efih joined Toni Payne and Ajibade to string things together in the middle.

Both teams had a hard time creating opportunities in a tight first period, though Asisat Oshoala should have done better with an opportunity from Payne’s cross halfway into the period.

England-born Rinsola Babajide made her debut for the Falcons after coming on in the 71st minute.

Both teams will go at it again for the second leg on Tuesday, October 31 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, the winner on aggregate to proceed to the third round, where the winner of the Cameroon/Uganda fixture awaits.

Paris 2024: Super Falcons Held To A 1-1 Draw By Ethiopia

Written by: Godstime Egelege-Idama

2024 Olympic Qualifiers Ethiopia Paris 2024 super falcons