Nigeria’s Super Falcons played out a goalless draw with Algeria on Sunday in their final Group B match at the ongoing 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca, Morocco.
The result means Nigeria finished top of Group B with seven points from three matches, while the draw was enough for Algeria’s Lady Fennecs to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time in their history.
Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, made eight changes to the team that defeated Botswana 1-0 on Thursday, resting several key players ahead of Friday’s quarter-final clash against Zambia’s Copper Queens.
Shukurat Oladipo, Miracle Usani, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Chinwendu Ihezuo all returned to the starting line-up, joining goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Tosin Demehin, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
Despite Nigeria’s attacking intent, Algeria were compact in defence, crowding their box and making life difficult for the Falcons. Winger Francisca Ordega stood out with a lively performance, similar to her display against Portugal in last month’s friendly.
Shortly before half-time, Ordega sent in a dangerous cross which spilled to Onumonu, but her effort was blocked before reaching Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar.
In the 52nd minute, a scramble in the Algerian penalty area saw the Super Falcons come close again, but the ball wouldn’t cross the line. Three minutes later, Ordega found Ajibade with a well-placed pass, but the captain was double-teamed before she could get a shot off.
Substitutes like Esther Okoronkwo also tried to break the deadlock, but Algeria held firm until the final whistle.
The result means Nigeria will face Zambia in what promises to be a tough quarter-final encounter, as both teams battle for a place in the semi-finals of WAFCON 2024.
