IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after Uchenna Kanu’s equalizer broke a 20-year-long goalless streak against the United States team on Tuesday night.
Following the 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the United States women’s national team on Saturday, Nigeria’s Super Falcons lost again 2-1 in the return leg of the double-header fixture of the U.S. friendly tour.
Even though Super Falcons were beaten, they managed to go toe-to-toe against the reigning world champions, eventually breaking a decades-old unwanted record at the Audi Field Stadium, Washington.
The U.S. grabbed the lead in the 25th minute of the encounter through Oluwatosin Demehin’s own goal.
The Americans maintained the possessions of the ball for the most part as the first half ended 1-0. Five minutes into the second half, Uchenna Kanu netted a jinx-breaking equalizer to end a 20-year-long Super Falcons’ goalless streak against their American counterparts.
However, Rose Lavelle scored an acrobatic header from forward Megan Rapinoe’s assist, secured the 2-1 for the hosts, and extended the U.S. unbeaten home streak to 71 matches.
Despite ending the scoreless run on Tuesday night, Nigeria still await their first-ever win against the U.S. at the senior national team level.
Nevertheless, both teams, record holders of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations(WAFCON), have qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Australia and New Zealand will jointly host the tournament between July and August.