Nigeria despite being denied the 3rd position by Zambia, qualified for the Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2023
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Falcons ended the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign without silverware after losing 0-1 to Zambia in the third-place play-off on Friday. July 22.
Nigeria lost to tournament host Morocco in a dramatic semi-final, after forcing a penalty shootout despite losing two women and ending the game with 9 women.
The loss set up a date with the Zambians who narrowly lost to South Africa too, with Nigeria still tipped as the overwhelming favourite against the Copper queens.
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Zambia opened the scoring in the 56th minute through an own goal by Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Super Falcons then searched for an equaliser but the Copper Queens’ defence were resolute and held on for victory in the game played at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Nigeria was expected to win the 2022 WAFCON with their star-studded side, however, after an initial 1-2 loss to South Africa, they were dumped out of the final after a 4-5 penalty shootout loss to host Morocco.
Despite being denied the third position by the Zambian side, who seemed to be more committed to winning, qualified for the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
