The Nigerians will not be in the final of the Wafcon, but the dethroned champions have left their mark on the competition
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named the woman of the match in Nigeria’s semifinal loss to Morocco at the ongoing 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations.
A rampant host nation defeated the defending champions 5-4 on penalties after both teams had played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at fulltime and extra-time.
The Super Falcons were not helped by a string of refereeing decisions, with the Nigerian ladies playing three-quarters of the encounter with nine women.
The duo of Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde were shown straight red cards.
But Paris FC shot-stopper Nnadozie kept her side in the encounter on many occasions by making several stunning saves.
CAF has rewarded her brilliance, naming the youngster the best player of the night inside the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
Teammates Rasheedat Ajibade and Osinachi Ohale are previous winners of the award.
https://twitter.com/CAFwomen/status/1549186738693836800
Record-setting match
Meanwhile, CAF has announced that 45,562 spectators were inside the Moulay Abdallah Complex on Monday night to watch the semifinal clash between Nigeria and Morocco.
The continent’s football-governing body confirms that it is the highest number of people attending an African women’s football game.
https://twitter.com/FIFAWWC/status/1549159576603328514
That record will be put under strain on Saturday when hosts Morocco make their first-ever final appearance at the Wafcon.
A new African champion will be crowned as finalists Morocco and South Africa aim for their first continental triumph.