WAFCON: Nigeria held to goalless draw by Algeria in final group game
Algeria’s Lady Fennecs held Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a goalless draw in their final Group B match of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday, securing a historic spot in the quarter-finals for the first time.
Super Falcons’ Head Coach, Justine Madugu, made eight changes to the squad that defeated Botswana 1-0 on Thursday. Shukurat Oladipo, Miracle Usani, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Chinwendu Ihezuo joined regulars Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tosin Demehin, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the starting lineup.
The changes were aimed at resting key players ahead of Friday’s crucial quarter-final clash against Zambia’s Copper Queens.
In Casablanca, Algeria, like Botswana before them, deployed a defensive strategy, crowding their half and frustrating Nigeria’s attacking play. Francisca Ordega stood out once again, replicating her form from last month’s friendly against Portugal in Lisbon.
Just before halftime, Ordega’s cross found Onumonu, whose shot was blocked before it could test Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar.
The Super Falcons continued pressing in the second half. In the 52nd minute, a scramble in the Algerian box failed to yield a goal, and three minutes later, Ordega set up Ajibade, who was quickly dispossessed by two defenders.
Echegini, Ordega, and substitute Esther Okoronkwo all had chances later in the match, but none could break the deadlock.
The draw was enough for Algeria to advance to the WAFCON quarter-finals for the first time, while Nigeria now shifts focus to their upcoming showdown with Zambia.
