LAGOS,Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola Stadium.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s goal proved to be the decisive moment in the match.
Coach Randy Waldrum made a tactical adjustment, introducing Pachuca forward Chinwendu Ihezuo into the starting lineup due to Asisat Oshoala’s late arrival and limited training sessions.
Ihezuo came close to scoring early on, but her efforts were off target.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Nigeria Qualify For AFCON Final After Defeating South Africa On Penalty Shootout
However, her persistence paid off just before halftime when she was tripped inside the box by South Africa’s Niko.
Ajibade, the winger from Atletico De Madrid Femenino, calmly converted the resulting penalty, beating goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
In the second half, Nigeria increased the pressure. Despite missing key defensive players, Waldrum’s team focused on preserving their one-goal advantage, ensuring no costly mistakes were made.
READ ALSO: Former South African President Zuma Survives Car Crash
The attention now turns to the return leg in South Africa, where Nigeria will defend their lead at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium on April 9th.