Rasheedat Ajibade’s goal sends the super falcons of Nigeria into the semifinal after defeating the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 1-0 in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash on Thursday night in Casablanca.
Atlético de Madrid and Nigeria’s attacker Rasheedat Ajibade scored in the 56th minute to increase her tally to three in the competition.
With the victory, Nigeria qualified for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year.
All four teams that make the semi-finals at the ongoing continental championship in Morocco would pick automatic tickets for the Women’s World Cup.
The team adjudged to have finished fifth was presented with another chance for a shot at a Playoff Tournament next year.
Super Falcon’s 1-2 defeat at the hands of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in their opening match of Group C last week Monday somewhat dimmed the shine of the Super Falcons.
Still, they rose stoutly to the occasion and won their other two games with six points and six goals, shooting them to the last eight.
Sports Minister Sunday Dare while celebrating the feat, urged the team to now go all out and ‘add the icing to the cake’ by winning the tournament for the 10th time.
“You (Super Falcons) have never missed out of any FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. I celebrate you for keeping to your high standards by qualifying for next year’s event in Australia and New Zealand,” Dare said.
“This is heartwarming and you have made yourselves and Nigerians proud. I congratulate you, your coaches, the NFF and all Nigerians who have shown good will and support to the team.
Up next for the Super Falcons will be the hosts, Morocco in the semifinals of the competition.
