The Super Falcons posted a very laboured display to force hosts Ethiopia to a 1-1 draw in a 2024 Olympics qualifier in Addis Ababa today.
The nine-time African champions were shambolic against a highly determined Lucy of Ethiopia, who fly down to Nigeria upbeat in a rematch Tuesday with the overall winners tackling the winners of the clash between Cameroon and Uganda.
Ethiopia stunned their more illustrious opponents after just five minutes, when Birkie Amara connected home from a corner kick under the rain.
Nigeria had to wait till the 51st minute before they will restore parity through captain Raheedat Ajibade.
The Falcons most outstanding player let fly from outside the box an unstoppable rocket that gave the Ethiopian goalkeeper no chance.
They even thought they had snatched the winning goal in stoppage time with a header by substitute Ifeoma Onumonu, but it was chalked off for an infringement.
Highly-rated Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala was a pale shadow of the player who was recently nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Heavy-footed Oshoala had several chances to make hay including a chance in the 47th minute,s when she was face-to-face with the goalkeeper only for her to sky her effort over the goalpost.
The Super Falcons were a team without a coach or a game plan as Randy Waldrum, who guided them to the Round of 16 at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand stayed away and assistant coach Justin Madugu stood in for him.
His contract situation with the NFF has yet to be resolved, officials said.
The earlier this present coach is sacked, the better for our dear Falcons…..