THE Super Falcons defeated Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 in the first leg of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie in Abuja today.
Ifeoma Onumonu scored both goals as the Nigerian ladies took a much-needed advantage over the dangerous Ivorians ahead of the second leg.
Without Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala in the line-up, United States of America-based Onumonu was handed a chance to lead the line. The 27-year-old Gotham FC forward did not disappoint, scoring in each half as the Super Falcons overcame their difficult opponents.
Onumonu struck first in the 21st minute at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and added the second goal, a lovely chip over the Ivorian goalkeeper, 11 minutes into the second period.
Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum also handed England-born Leicester City central defender Ashleigh Plumtre her official debut, and she helped in keeping a crucial clean sheet.
The nine-time African champions were captained by veteran Onome Ebi in Oshoala’s absence, while Rita Chukwuelu and Rasheedat Ajibade were also in a strong starting line-up.
The return leg is billed for Abidjan on Wednesday, with the winners on aggregate advancing to the 2022 AWCON in Morocco.
