Nigeria Women’s under-20 team, The Falconets are close to qualifying for the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Colombia with the win over Tanzania.
The Falconets defeated Tanzania 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Sunday.
Janet Aikekoromowei put Nigeria in front early in the game as she scored in the 15th minute from a well-timed pass from Esther Ajakaye.
Unfortunately, the Falconets’ lead only lasted a few minutes as the visitors restored parity. Jamila Rajani Mnunduka took advantage of a gaol-mouth scramble to draw level.
Opeyemi Ajakaye thought she had restored the lead for Nigeria five minutes later but her effort was ruled offside by the referee.
The Nigerian striker was a torn in the flesh of the defense of the Tanzanian ladies but her strike late in the first half didn’t trouble Zulfa Ally Makau who had a busy day in between the sticks.
The first-half ended one-all with the home side creating most of the chances without converting them.
Nigeria started the second half with renewed zeal and the decisive goal came 15 minutes after restart.
Comfort Folorunsho headed Shobowale Olushola’s timely cross into the back of the net as she restored the lead for the Falconets.
Once again, Opeyemi Ajakaye had more chances to score but the striker couldn’t just convert any of them before she was replaced by Chiamaka Okwuchukwu with less than 10 minutes to the end of the match.
Okwuchukwu also followed the footsteps of Ajakaye in the game as she failed to convert the chance that fell to her from close range.
The match ended 2-1 but 3-2 on aggregate score as the Falconets qualify for the final round of qualification where they will take on Burundi for a place at the Colombia 2024 World Championship.
The first leg is scheduled between January 12-14 and the return fixture will be played the 19th and 21st of February, 2024.
