Nigeria Super Falcons have progressed to the fourth round of the CAF Olympic Qualifier after their triumph over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the third round on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Falcons defeated the Lionesses 1-0 in the second leg encounter at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja to win 1-0 on aggregate after the first leg ended goalless in Douala, Cameroon.
The Nigerian team started strongly with Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade coming close to scoring in the early minutes.
The goal finally came 14 minutes into the encounter as Jennifer Echegini dribbled two Cameroonian defenders to set up Okoronkwo for the goal.
There were chances to increase the lead through Echegini, Ajibade and Okoronkwo, but the trio failed to put the ball at the back of the net as the half ended 1-0.
The second half saw a more determined Cameroon side as Coach Randy Waldrum made a couple of substitutions, bringing in Uchenna Kanu for Esther Okoronkwo while Asisat Oshoala came in for Toni Payne to strengthen the attack.
However, it was the Cameroonians who came close to scoring as goalkeeper Nnaedozie had to make a point blank save to keep the score 1-0.
The Nigerian girls had another opportunity couple of minutes later, but it was missed.
Aboudi Onguene could have equalled score for the visitors, but her header from close range was saved by goalkeeper Nnadozie in the 86th minute.
Substitute Rinsola Babajide's attempt 2 minutes later couldn't trouble Cameroonian goalkeeper as the tie ended 1-0.
The Super Falcons will next face the winner between Tanzania and South Africa in April. South Africa had defeated Tanzania 3-0 in the first leg and will play the second leg in South Africa on Tuesday.
Uche Dozie