Nigeria clinched their seventh title after a 2-0 win over Cameroon in the final of Saturday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
Nigeria led 2-0 at half time with goals from Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala that set the tone for victory in the encounter that lived up to billing as the ultimate game of the TN Mobile 9th African Women Championship.
The fast paced game saw Cameroon having the better of exchanges in the opening minutes with Gaelle Enganamouit firing a shot from a free-kick that went wide.
Two minutes later, Oparanozie taught ‘Les Lionnes’ how to do it curling home from a free-kick that left Annette Ngo Ndom with no option for the first goal.
Nigeria survived several onslaughts by the Cameroonians and were let off the hook after Enganamouit’s shot from outside of her feet kissed the crossbar on 21 minutes with goalkeeper Ibubeleye Whyte completely beaten.
The Super Falcons doubled the lead on 43 minutes through Oshoala. Ordega profited from a poor clearance by Yvonne Leuko, laid to Oshoala, who connected in to ensure a two-goal lead into the break.
Cameroon resumed stronger and their quest for goal received a boost with the introduction of Ajara Njoya for Francine Zouga. Later, Ivem Mihamle also came on for Madeleine Ngono Mani who found it difficult to unsettle the Nigerian defence.
On 64 minutes, Super Falcons goalie Whyte scored full marks by stretching her fullest to deny Enganamouit by parrying out her effort from a free-kick.
Enganamouit combed every space around the Nigerian defence and was again denied by Whyte on 79 minutes, who palmed out her goalbound shot from a free-kick at the edge of the penalty area.
‘Les Lionnes’ pressed further but Nigeria held on to claim victory and further extend their record to seven titles (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2014).
The Woman of the Match: 14. Francisca Ordega (Nigeria)
(Cafonline)
