Two titans of African women’s football, Nigeria and Cameroon, will engage in a fierce battle in Douala on Friday, vying for a spot in the final round of the African qualifying series for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
The Super Falcons, Africa’s top-rated team, are still riding high after their impressive performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Down Under, where they reached the Round of 16 without losing a match in regulation time. However, memories of their thwarted Olympic dreams by the Indomitable Lionesses in the London 2012 qualifiers will fuel their determination.
On the other hand, the Lionesses have their own grievances, having been consistently bested by Nigeria in major tournaments, including missing out on the Women Africa Cup of Nations title in 2016 and bowing out in the quarter-finals of the last Women AFCON tournament.
Coach Randy Waldrum has bolstered the Super Falcons squad with the return of stellar players like Ashley Plumptre, Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne, and Christy Ucheibe, complemented by emerging talent like Deborah Abiodun. With goalkeeping stalwart Chiamaka Nnadozie and a formidable attacking lineup including Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, and Esther Okoronkwo, Nigeria possesses a formidable force.
Meanwhile, Cameroon, despite missing star player Ajara Njoya Nchout, cannot be underestimated, especially on home turf.
Following the first leg in Douala, both teams will travel together to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, for the return leg at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Monday.
Elsewhere, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will face Tanzania, with the winner set to clash with the victor of the Nigeria/Cameroon encounter for a chance at one of Africa’s tickets to Paris in July. Similarly, Tunisia will take on Morocco, while Ghana hosts Zambia, with the winners battling for the second African ticket to Paris.
