Nigeria’s Super Falcons were held to a goalless draw by a determined Algerian side in their final Group B match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday, but the result was still enough to see them top the group and set up a quarter-final showdown with Zambia’s Copper Queens.
In what turned out to be a defensive masterclass by Algeria, also known as the Lady Fennecs, Nigeria’s heavily rotated squad struggled to find their rhythm despite dominating the contest and creating the bulk of the chances.
Coach Madugu Rings the Changes in the Super falcons Squad
With qualification already secured after two matchday wins, Super Falcons interim head coach, Justin Madugu made eight changes to the side that beat Botswana 1-0.
In came Shukurat Oladipo, Miracle Usani, Sikiratu Isah, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Chinwendu Ihezuo, joining a spine of Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tosin Demehin, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
The tactical switch aimed to rest key players ahead of a huge quarter-final clash but also test the depth of the squad. Unfortunately for Madugu, few stood out as game-changers in a disjointed but dominant display.
Wasteful Falcons Fail to Break Down Compact Algeria
Despite enjoying 67% possession and firing 24 shots (with just two on target), Nigeria were unable to breach the resilient Algerian defence.
Ordega was a lively outlet on the left, twice creating dangerous chances, first for Onumonu just before halftime, and then for Ajibade in the 55th minute, when she appeared to be fouled in the box by Wassila Alouache, only for her penalty appeal to be waved away.
A chaotic scramble in the Algerian box early in the second half saw the ball ricochet between defenders, but PSG keeper, Chloe N’gazi Boumrar stood firm, producing a string of confident saves.
Substitutes Esther Okoronkwo and Ordega pressed late on, but a breakthrough never came.
Algeria Celebrate Historic Quarter-Final Berth
While Nigeria’s place in the next round was never in doubt, Algeria’s goalless draw was historic, securing their place in the WAFCON quarter-finals for the first time ever.
The Lady Fennecs’ resolute performance was not built on flair or finesse, but on structure, discipline and sheer grit, successfully frustrating Africa’s most decorated women’s national team.
Key Stats
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Shots: Nigeria 24 – Algeria 4
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Possession: Nigeria 67% – Algeria 33%
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Shots on Target: Nigeria 2 – Algeria 1
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Clean Sheets: Nigeria 3 – Algeria 2
Nigeria to Face Zambia Next
With Morocco and Zambia through from Group A, and South Africa and Mali progressing from Group C, Nigeria’s quarter-final clash with Zambia is now confirmed for Friday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Though unbeaten, the Super Falcons will need to find more attacking sharpness to overcome a Zambian side led by lethal striker, Racheal Kundananji, who has already shown flashes of brilliance in the tournament.
Botswana Snatch Dramatic Late Winner, Still Hoping
Elsewhere in Group B, Botswana kept their dream alive with a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over Tunisia. Yesmin Khanchouch had put Tunisia ahead in the 12th minute, but Lesego Radiakanyo and Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse scored in the second half to seal a dramatic turnaround.
Botswana now sit third in Group B, but will need Monday’s clash between Tanzania and Ghana in Group C to end in a draw to confirm their spot in the quarter-finals.
