2024 Olympics: Ajibade’s magic seals Super Falcons’ place in next round of qualifiers

The Super Falcons were forced to a draw in the first leg in Addis Ababa, but they have redeemed themselves 

Atletico Madrid star Rasheedat Ajibade scored a brace to help the Super Falcons beat Ethiopia 4-0 and seal their place in the next round of the Olympic qualifiers, Soccernet reports.

Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw when they squared off with Ethiopia at the Abebe Bikila Stadium last week. However, they had to get a win in the return leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Super Falcons had the full arsenal on the pitch, with the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne in the starting lineup.

Nigeria could have gotten the lead in the 24th minute after Oshoala went one-on-one with the Ethiopian goalkeeper. However, she failed to convert. Four minutes later, it was Nnadozie Chiamaka, whose header just drifted wide.

Nonetheless, the Super Falcons eventually grabbed the lead in the 45th minute after a brilliant strike by Uchenna Kanu.

Then, in the 50th minute, Oshoala showed her quality, dribbling into the box and setting up Ajibade, who placed a precise finish into the net.

In the 68th minute, Oshoala got her own goal. She got on the end of a cross by Uchenna Kanu and finished with aplomb to make it three for the nine-time African champions.

Then, in the 72nd minute, Ajibade scored the fourth off an assist from Oshoala. That wrapped it up, as the Super Falcons held out for the 4-0 victory.

Nigeria will take on the winner of the game between Uganda and Cameroon in the next round.