By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Falcons of Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0 in the first leg of the double-header Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Uchenna Kanu scored both goals for the hosts, before the break at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan Lagos.
Nigeria started brightly and got rewarded for their dominance when Kalu scored from a defense-splitting pass from Francisca Ordega in the 22nd minute.
The defending champion continued dominating possession after the goal, with waves of attack which eventually paid off, when Toni Payne provided an assist for Kalu to slot and score her brace in the 26th minute.
The Ghanaians made incursions into Nigeria’s penalty area after conceding the goal, but the Falcon’s defense marshaled by Onome Ebi remained resolute.
Nigeria continued to dominate in the second half but were unable to add to their tally before the referee signaled the end of the very lively encounter.
Nigeria takes a two-goal cushion to the Accra Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana on Sunday, October 24, when the second leg of the double-header will be played.
The overall winner of the two encounters is expected to play the winner of the qualifier between Niger Republic and Cote d’Ivoire.
The next edition of TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco in 2022.