Nnadozie, who plays in the French Ligue for Paris FC, made a number of superb saves to keep her team in the game and force a penalty shootout
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerias’ first-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was awarded the ‘Woman of the Match’ after putting up a superlative display in the semifinals loss to hosts, Morocco, in the ongoing 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
The Super Falcons, who played a large part of the match with 9 players, put up a stellar performance to ensure the match went into a penalty shootout but eventually lost 5-4 on Monday night.
Nnadozie, who plays in the French Ligue for Paris FC, made a number of superb saves to keep her team in the game and force a penalty shootout.
She was, however, unable to make any save during the spot-kicks despite coming close three times.
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Halimat Ayinde was shown a straight red card by the referee in the 48 mins for a poor tackle on an opponent after VAR check.
Nigeria, however, took the lead a minute after the hour mark courtesy of an own goal from Yasmin Mirabet.
Morocco responded and equalised 4 minutes later when Sanna Mssoudy pounced on a ball dropped by Nnadozie in the Nigerian goal.
The Super Falcons then got a second sending-off in the 70th minute when one of the players of the tournament, Rasheedat Ajibade was also given a matching order by the referee.
Randy Waldrum’s side held on to force a penalty shootout but Ifeoma Onumonu’s miss proved costly in the shootout.
Nigeria will now battle Zambia, who narrowly lost to South Africa in the other semi-final for the bronze medal, while Banyana Banyana of South Africa will face Morocco in the final.