Nigeria’s Super Falcons held Ethiopia to a 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s Olympic qualifier, thanks to a fantastic long-range goal from Atletico Madrid star Rasheedat Ajibade.
At the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Birkie Amare had given Ethiopia the lead in the sixth minute, but Ajibade, the stand-in captain, led by example and scored the equalizer in the 52nd.
Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, her sister Nicole Payne, Uchenna Kanu, Rasheedat Ajibade, Gift Monday, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ifeoma Onomonu, and rookie Rinsola Babajide were among the stars the nine-time African champions paraded, but they were unable to find the target against their determined Ethiopian opponents.
According to jerrymusa.com, the game finished in a draw ahead of the second leg after substitute Ifeoma Onumonu’s excellent header was disqualified for offside in the 92nd minute.
Vanguardngr reports that the second leg will take place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
In order to secure a spot in the final qualification round, the side with the best overall record will advance to play the winner of Cameroon vs. Uganda.
In the last three Olympic Games, the Super Falcons have not advanced to the finals.
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.