Super Falcons thrash Malian counterparts, qualify for All African Games

It was goals galore as the reigning African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, scored eight un-replied goals during their second leg All-African Games final qualifying match against Mali at the National stadium in Abuja on Friday.

The emphatic win confirmed the Super Falcons’ qualification for the women’s football event as they secured a 9-1 aggregate win over the Malians who had recorded a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Friday’s game in Abuja started on a fast pace and the Falcons were one goal up as early as the third minute with an opening goal from Desire Oparanozie.

Francis Ordega made it 2-0 for Nigeria in the 18th minute and the third goal came from Asisat Oshoala before Oparanozie netted the fourth goal just before the end of the first half

The second half resumed with an opening goal from Oshoala in the 47th minute, while another was scored by Francisca Ordega, three minutes later Oparanozie scored the seventh and then Esther Sunday completed the routing with her 75th minute goal.

Reacting after the match, Head coach of the team, Edwin Okon, said he was happy his team won and now qualified.

“I am happy that my girls won and they did very well we shall see where to go from here,” he said.

Nigeria was not represented at the last All-African Games football event for both men and women.