*Buhari, Ekweremadu congratulate team
Nigeria’s Super Falcons clinched their 9th African Women’s Cup Of Nations title after defeating South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 4-3 on penalties in Saturday’s final, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.
Captain Onome Ebi missed the team’s first spot kick but the quartet of Ngozi Ebere, Rita Chikwelu, Chinwendu Ihezu and Chinaza Uchendu scored for Nigeria to secure another AWCON title in Ghana.
Both teams met in the group stage phase, with South Africa running out 1-0 winners a fortnight ago.
The Super Falcons had the first meaningful effort at goal in the opening stages, but goalkeeper Kaylin Swartz pulled off the save at the second time of asking after spilling.
Swartz came to Banyana’s rescue with a superb save in the 24th minute as Nigeria threatened.
The Super Falcons went close once again in the 37th minute through Ordega Francisca, who saw her curling effort fly just wide of the target.
In the second half, Asisat Oshoala had the chance to be a hero when Nigeria were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute, however the Falcons striker placed her effort wide of the mark.
Chances were hard to come by for both nations in the remaining stages of regulation time, which ultimately sent the clash to extra-time.
After both sides failed to break the deadlock in the extra 30 minutes, it was left to a penalty shoot-out and it was the Falcons who came out victorious to claim the title.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the Super Falcons winning the 11th Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), Ghana 2018.
According to a statement his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, the President expressed delight at the discipline and commitment exhibited by the team despite the stiff resistance of their South African counterparts.
Buhari described winning the AWCON for the third consecutive time and ninth overall, as the “icing on the cake.”
Also, the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in a statement said Falcon’s victory was further proof that Nigeria’s greatness lies in her unity in diversity.
