Super Falcons tonight displayed amazing character even when they were reduced to nine players, but they still failed to go past host nation Morocco to reach the final of the 2022 WAFCON after they lost 5-4 on penalties as both teams were still tied at 1-1 after extra-time.
On Sunday, Morocco will now take on South Africa, who pipped Zambia 1-0 in the other semifinal, for a new African women’s champion.
The Falcons will battle Zambia for third place.
All four semifinalists have already qualified for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Striker Ifeoma Onumonu missed Nigeria’s penalty kick after Rita Chikwelu, Regina Otu, Ashleigh Plumptre and Gift Monday converted their own kicks.
Morocco took the game to the nine-time African champions from the onset, but the Super Falcons somehow weathered the storm and even began to threaten the goal of their opponents.
The second half was full of twists and turns beginning with the dismissal of midfielder Halimatu Ayinde at the restart for dangerous play.
Captain Onome Ebi and later Ashleigh Plumptre were forced to make goalline clearances.
But the reigning champions still went in front in the 62nd minute, when Rasheedat Ajibade drove a dangerous cross into the Moroccan box and in the ensuing scramble, Uchenna Kanu forced an own goal.
Four minutes later, the host nation drew level when goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie could not hold on to a low cross from the right and the rebound was tucked away.
In the 70th minute, the Falcons were reduced to nine players when Ajibade was sent off also for a dangerous tackle.
Nigeria’s woes were compounded when skipper Ebi limped out of action due to injury.
She was replaced by Michelle Alozie.
Morocco were lifted by their numerical advantage and pushed forward in search of the winning goal.
VAR had to check on a penalty against Nigeria in additional time to lead to extra time.
The Atlas Lionesses were undone by poor finishing again and again.
Falcons sub Gift Monday crashed her shot in second half extra time to the amazement of the 45,000-strong crowd at the stadium, before the lottery of penalty kicks.
