Super Falcons of Nigeria today beat Cameroon by the odd goal to advance to a possible 2024 Olympic playoff against African champions South Africa.
Nigeria progressed to the playoffs 1-0 on aggregate after both teams played out a goalless draw in Douala last weekend.
The most likely playoffs opponents in April are Banyana Banyana of South Africa, who beat hosts Tanzania 3-0 in the first leg of their own third round qualifier last week.
Nigeria featured at the Olympics in 2012.
Esther Okoronkwo, who was picked ahead of Asisat Oshaola, scored the winning goal for Nigeria in the 14th minute after she combined beautifully with Jennifer Echegini.
The Super Falcons created several other chances, but they failed to finish them off as they were not clinical in front of goal.
In the closing minutes of the first half, skipper Rasheedat Ajibade failed to make hay after she came face-to-face with the Cameroon goalkeeper.
On the hour, Oshoala was brought on for Toni Payne and goal scorer Okoronkwo gave way to Uchenna Kanu.
As expected, the physically robust Cameroon pushed for an equaliser in the second half.
In stoppage time, a Cameroonian player was sent off after she maliciously fouled Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
