Nigeria vs Cameroon: Falcons must watch it today in Abuja
After playing a goalless draw in Douala against their Cameroonian counterparts, Super Falcons file out against Indomitable Lionesses today at the Abuja stadium in the second leg of their two legged Olympic Qualifier.
Ordinarily the 0-0 draw in Douala on Friday can be considered a descent result for the Randy Waldrum tutored side as it gives them an edge to make amends in the return leg.
Ahead of the World Cup in Qatar the male national team the Super Eagles failed to soar against Black Stars of Ghana at the Abuja stadium before a large turnout of fans who had stormed the arena to cheer them to victory unfortunately the team failed to fly thus losing opportunity after a two legged play-off against Ghana to be at the last world cup.
That experience has not left the memory of some die-hard national team fan.
READ ALSO Paris 2024: Falcons, Lionesses boast ahead of titanic battle in Abuja
Although the setting may not be the same the Falcons must rise to the occassion and run their race to brighten the chance of being at the Olympics in Paris especially considering that the Falcons appeared last at the Olympics 16 years ago.
Cameroon can, however, be convinced that the tie remains delicately balanced, and an away goal could change the complexion of the fixture in their favour
Nigeria were in a similar position in 2019 ahead of the 2020 Olympics. The Super Falcons drew goalless in Cote d’Ivoire in the first leg but failed to soar in the return leg as the Ivorians secured a 1-1 draw in Lagos.
While Nigeria and Cameroon are widely considered to be two of the continent’s female football frontliners, the records show the West Africans hold a superior advantage over the Lionesses.
The Super Falcons have won nine and lost only two of their last 12 games against the Cameroonians.
The last time the two teams played on Nigerian soil was in a friendly at the National Stadium Abuja in 2014. Nigeria won 1-0.
READ ALSO Super Falcons, Indomitable Lionesses battle to draw in Douala
A similar result will be enough to lift Nigeria to the final round of the qualifiers where South Africa who have already thrashed Tanzania 3-0 in the first leg could be waiting. On a good day the Falcons should have the last laugh whether anybody is watching them or not as I doubt whether a good crowd can and will turn out at the Abuja Stadium to cheer them up today, a working day. Keep tab:
Competition: CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying, Paris 2024
Match: Nigeria vs. Cameroon
Venue: Abuja National Stadium, Abuja
Date: Monday, 26 February 2024
Time: 4 pm (Nigerian time)