Super Falcons Defeat Ghana 3-0 in Pre-WAFCON Friendly | 2024 WAFCON Nigeria vs Ghana Highlights

The Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Sunday in Casablanca, overpowering their archrivals, Ghana’s Black Queens, with a 3-0 victory during their pre-WAFCON friendly clash.

The Ghanaians carved out the first significant chance of the encounter in the 17th minute. Doris Boaduwaa attempted a low-driven shot but could not direct it on target, letting a potential early advantage slip away.

Shortly afterward, the Nigerians seized control. Chiwendu Ihezuo was on hand to break the deadlock for the Super Falcons in the 34th minute, sending in a shot that deflected past the Ghanaian goalkeeper to give Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead.

Just before halftime, Nigeria was awarded a penalty kick following a foul in the Ghanaian box. Star striker Asisat Oshoala stepped up and confidently converted from the spot in the 44th minute, extending the Super Falcons’ lead to 2-0 heading into the break.

After the restart, the momentum remained firmly with the Nigerian team. Only five minutes into the second half, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly slotted in a third goal to put Nigeria firmly in command of the match.

The Black Queens thought they had found a route back into the game in the 55th minute when Evelyn Badu’s effort hit the back of the net. However, the assistant referee’s flag went up, ruling the goal out for offside, to the disappointment of the Ghanaian side.

One minute later, Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu reshuffled his lineup, executing a triple substitution. Ifeoma Onumonu, Sikiratu Isah, and Esther Okoronkwo were brought in to replace Asisat Oshoala, Osinachi Ohale, and Chiwendu Ihezuo, respectively, in an effort to manage the squad’s energy and maintain tactical balance.

Despite creating additional opportunities, Nigeria could not add to their tally after the triple substitution, while Ghana managed to pull a consolation goal back in the 88th minute. Alice Kusi stepped up and scored from the penalty spot, giving the Black Queens a brief moment to celebrate even though the result was already beyond their reach.

With this impressive victory, the Super Falcons will now focus on their next challenge: their first group-stage match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled for next week Sunday against Tunisia.