Nigeria’s Super Falcons have progressed into the Paris 2024 final qualifying round after a 1-0 win against Cameroon in Abuja on Monday.
The Falcons went into the second leg of the third round tie needing a win after holding Cameroon to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Douala.
The Super Falcons started the game on the front foot and took the lead in the 14th minute through Esther Okoronkwo.
Okoronkwo, who was named ahead of Asisat Oshoala in the starting line-up, hit the target following a goalmouth scramble.
The hosts piled more pressure on the Indomitable Lionesses carving out further chances.
Juventus midfielder, Jennifer Echegini came close to doubling Nigeria’s lead a minute after the hour mark but was denied from close range by the Cameroon goalkeeper.
Okoronkwo wasted a glorious chance to double the Super Falcons lead six minutes before the break.
The forward was set up by a delightful long ball from Ashleigh Plumptre but she blasted over the bar.
Nigeria made a substitution four minutes before the break with Halimat Ayinde replacing Oluwatosin Demehin
No goal was recorded in the second half.
Cameroon star Enganemben Annie was sent off for unsporting conduct late in stoppage time.
However, it was a sweet revenge for the Falcons, The last time the Falcons faced Cameroon in the qualifiers for the Olympics was in the race for the London 2012 games.
After the first leg ended 2-1 in favour of the Falcons, the Cameroonians also won the second leg 2-1 before going on to win on penalty shootout and qualify for the 2012 Olympics.
The Falcons are seeking a first Olympic appearance since Beijing 2008 games.
They will face the winner between South Africa and Tanzania in the final qualifying round.
The South Africans won the first leg 3-0 away and are heavily fancied to go through.
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