Super Falcons move closer to WAFCON qualification after Cape Verde Demolition

Nigeria made a strong statement about their readiness for the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a 5-0 domineering win over Cape Verde in their first actual qualifying match. 

The Super Falcons had been due to play Sao Tome and Principe in the first round of qualifiers, but after getting a walkover in that fixture, they finally got to play their first match in the qualifying series against Cape Verde.

Nigeria stormed to a comfortable victory over Cape Verde with a sensational performance at home in the first leg, thanks to a goal from Gift Monday, and a brace each from Uchenna Kanu and substitute Esther Okoronkwo. 

Kanu opened the scoring for the Super Falcons after just seven minutes of the first half, and the home side saw that lead doubled by budding Tenerife striker Gift Monday midway through the opening 45 minutes.

Kanu wrapped up her brace in first-half added time to give the Super Falcons a comfortable 3-0 lead going into the break.

The second half was marked by a superb cameo appearance by substitute Okoronkwo, who scored her fourth and fifth goals for the Super Falcons in her 10th appearance.

Okoronkwo needed only 13 minutes after coming on to make her mark, scoring in the 68th minute to make it 4-0 for the Super Falcons.

The Tenerife forward scored her second goal and Nigeria’s fifth of the day to round up the scoring against Cape Verde.

The win gives the Super Falcons an edge heading into the second leg of the WAFCON qualifying second round against Cape Verde on December 5.