The Super Falcons of Nigeria have succeeded where their male counterparts failed, defeating Senegal by a goal in each half to qualify for the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).
In March, the Nigerian male team, the Super Eagles, failed to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Gabon, after falling to a 1-0 defeat to Egypt in Alexandria.
However, on Tuesday, the Falcons, coached by former Falcon Florence Omagbemi, beat Senegal in Abuja by two unreplied goals to qualify 3-1 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in dakar at the weekend.
Rita Chikwelu notched the first goal in the 36th minute, while midfielder Osarenoma Igbinovia made the points safe with a second, one minute into the second half.
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The seven-time African champions fluffed a handful of chances in the first half, with Arsenal FC of England new signing Asisat Oshoala looking a far from her usual sharp self, and forward Desire Oparanozie forced to start from the bench as a result of the injury she sustained in the first leg.
Oshoala even failed to convert from the penalty spot after Ebere Orji was upended in the box, before Chikwelu connected a brilliant pass to put Nigeria in front in the 36th minute.
Igbinovia was at the right place to connect another brilliant pass from the right just a minute into the second half, to finally settle the nerves of dignitaries and spectators at the National Stadium, Abuja.
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