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By: Ebenezer Bajela.
Young Super Falcons quartet Esther Onyenezide, Abiodun Deborah, Gift Monday and Obia Christiana took to social media to celebrate the team’s qualification for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Falcons beat Cape Verde 2-1 in Praia on Tuesday and qualify for the 2024 WAFCON on 7-1 aggregate.
A second-half goal from substitute Esther Okoronkwo and a late stoppage-time winner from captain Rasheedat Ajibade ensured that the Falcons won the last phase of the qualifiers 2-1 after an emphatic 5-0 win in the first leg in Abuja on Thursday.
The win means Nigeria have qualified for every edition of WAFCON, with Morocco 2024 the 15th time the tournament would be held.
Monday was part of the Falcons squad that faltered at the 14th edition also in Morocco last but put up an impressive performance for a player of her age, but for Onyenezide, Abiodun and Obia, it could be their first WAFCON appearance.
While they await what the future holds for them the players took to their X accounts to savour the moment.
Abiodun wrote, “Privileged to be part of Nigeria’s qualifying journey to the Morocco 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations! Our collective effort secured the qualification, and now we’re geared up to showcase the strength and spirit of Nigerian football on the grand stage!”
Edo Queen’s shot-stopper Obia added that she was happy to be part of the team that sealed qualification to WAFCON.
“Excited to share the joy of helping the @NGSuper_Falcons secure a spot in the Morocco 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations! Grateful for the opportunity, love the teamwork and looking forward to representing our nation on the big stage,” she tweeted.
Young midfielder, Onyenezide, was also thrilled after coming on to help claim a vital win in Pria.
She wrote, “Thrilled to contribute to Nigeria’s qualification for the Morocco 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations! A journey filled with hard work and determination. Excited about the challenges ahead and representing our nation with pride! Grateful.”
Monday added, “Proud to have played a role in helping Team Nigeria secure qualification for the Morocco 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations! Teamwork makes the dream work, and we’re ready to reclaim our crown on the African stage!”
Nigeria are the most successful nation in the history of the tournament since it became full-scale in 1998, winning 11 of the 14 editions so far.