AWCON2022: Onumonu brace lifts Falcons over Cote d’Ivoire

United States born attacker Ifeoma Onumonu netted a brace as Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 in a 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON2022Q) match decided in Abuja.

Friday’s match was the first leg of the final round of qualifiers for this year’s continental showpiece in Morocco and after an early scare, Nigeria got their noses in front in the 21st minute minute when Onumonu scored after Esther Okoronkwo persisted to bring the ball out for her.

With the Ivorians threatening with their pace and trickery, the Falcons held their line well to ensure the first half ended 1-0.

Onumonu, an attacker with Gotham FC got her brace in the 56th minute when she latched on to a ball over the top by Rita Chikwelu before chipping the ball over Cote d’Ivoire goalie Cynthia Djohore.

The perennial African champions, coached by American Randy Waldrum to be at their best defensively to prevent the Ivorians from scoring what could have been a crucial away goal ahead of the return leg.

Both teams will face in Abidjan on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 for the decisive leg of the qualifying tie with the winner going through to the main tournament.