Super Falcons soar past Ghana in Pre-WAFCON test match

The aroma of Jollof filled the air once again, as the Super Falcons of Nigeria took on Ghana's Black Queens in a tune up game, ahead of the 2024 Women's African Cup of Nations.

The Ghanaians came into this encounter seeking their second win in four years, against the Super Falcons, with their last win coming in October, 2021.

It was a balanced start as both teams tested the waters in the opening stages of the encounter, keeping the game at bay.

However, just four minutes past the half hour mark, the Super Falcons drew first blood after Chiwendu Ihezuo's strike was helped in by a huge deflection.

10 minutes later, the ever-presenr Asisat Oshoala converted calmly from the spot, to double the advantage.

The Falcons hence headed into the break with a two-goal cushion.

The girls in green would then continue from where they stopped, in the second period, as they kept on mounting pressure on the Ghanaian defence.

Their pressure yielded rewards five minutes into the restart, as captain Rasheedat Ajibade got in on the act, adding the third, to take the game beyond the Black Queens.

Coach Madugu made his first change of the game five minutes later, introducing Sikiratu Isah, Ifeoma Onumonu and Esther Okworonkwo, in place of Osinachi Ohale, and goalscorers, Asisat Oshoala and Chiwendu Ihezuo.

The Falcons still continued to mount pressure despite these changes, but the Ghanaian defence stood firm.

On the 83rd minute mark, coach Madugu made his last set of substitutions, taking off captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, Folashade Ijamilusi, and goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, for Jennifer Echegini, AS Roma's Shukurat Oladipo, third choice goalkeeper Udoka Unachukwu, and Francisca Ordega as he looked to close out the game.

The Ghanaians however did not accept defeat easily, as they pulled one back through Alice Kusi's 88th minute spot-kick, but it was too late as the Falcons had already put the game to bed.

Up next for the Super Falcons is the opening game of the 2024 Women's African Cup of Nations, and the beginning of the charge for the 10th WAFCON title, as they face Tunisia, on the 6th day of July.