The Super Falcons today away with a goalless draw with hosts Cameroon in a Paris Olympics qualifier played in Douala.
The return leg will be played in Abuja Monday with the overall winners advancing to a final playoff against the winners of another third round tie between South Africa and Tanzania for a place at this year’s Olympics.
Reigning African champions South Africa won 3-0 in Tanzania in the first leg today.
The officiating by Ugandan Shamirah Nabbada was poor with everything now to play for by both teams at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Juventus forward Jennifer Echegini thought she had given the Super Falcons in the 54th minute, but her effort was ruled off for offside.
Not-so-impressive Asisat Oshoala missed the biggest chance of this end-to-end clash in the 67th minute.
Early in the encounter, Nigeria had to thank goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie after she had to pull off a big save to deny the home team a goal.
This was coach Randy Waldrum’s first game back in charge of the team after last year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the Super Falcons reached the Round of 16.
The nine-time African champions enjoyed the full compliment of their top stars like Oshoala, Rasheedat Oshoala, Toni Payne and Osinachi Ohale.
