AISHA BUHARI CUP: Monday’s brace power Falcons over Mali Eagles
By Nnamdi Okosieme
Two goals coming in the final eight minutes of a keenly contested game made the difference for Africa’s most successful women’s football team, the Super Falcons.
The Nigerian ladies who are currently African champions needed to dig into their bag of tricks to outwit a resilient Mali side in their opening game of the inaugural edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament in taking place in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
A brace from substitute, Gift Monday handed the hosts victory in the match played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos and watched by top sports and political personalities including FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Monday’s first goal had come in the 83rd minute after he had leapt to meet a cross from team captain, Asisat Oshoala and nod past goalkeeper Malian keeper Fatoumata Karenta. The goal came barely six minutes after the FC Robo Queens star had replaced Francisca Ordega.
The goal put the Super Falcons in the lead after a rather turgid day on Lagos island, with the Malians showing greater zest and desire in the opening half and returning after the recess with the same impressive fighting spirit.
The visiting Female Eagles had survived a raid on their area in the 5th minute as Nigeria looked to go into the lead with a corner, but the defence cleared. Nine minutes later, Ordega sidenetted from another quick dash upfront, and in the 18th minute, Ageusissa Diarra tested goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie from a 30-yard free-kick. In the second half, Uchenna Kanu sidenetted in the 67th minute, before Oshoala, who should have scored with only the goalkeeper to beat, failed to get past Karenta.
In the 74th minute, Karenta again saved from Kanu. In the 83rd minute, Monday rose highest in the box and nodded past Karenta, bringing so much excitement to the Arena. One minute into added time, Monday was again at the end of an Asisat assist, and looped the ball over an advancing Karenta to put huge smiles on the face of Nigerians.
