Paris 2024: Okoronkwo's goal sinks Cameroon as Super Falcons book South Africa date

A superb strike from forward Esther Okoronkwo ensured Nigeria's Super Falcons continued their journey in the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier against 10-woman Cameroon.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Nigeria defeated the Indomitable Lionesses 1-0 in an explosive encounter on Monday in Abuja.

After a goalless affair in the first leg, Nigeria started the second leg in the best possible way when Okoronkwo netted the decisive goal in the 14th minute at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Handed a start after her brilliant role off the bench in Douala, the talented Okonkwo combined effectively with another star, Joe Echegini, also handed a start, to fire the decisive winner.

Her moment of magic was enough for Nigeria to claim bragging rights over the Indomitable Lionesses as they build towards a mouthwatering clash against Banyana Banyana or Tanzania in April.

After the first leg that saw Cameroon force Nigeria to a goalless draw, both teams came into the second leg with all to play for in the bid to reach the Olympics. 

Nigeria’s Randy Waldrum made two changes to the team in Duoala and both of them repaid their manager’s fate by combining to net the all-important winner in the 14th minute.

A fine solo effort from Juventus Women’s forward, Echegini, who evaded four Cameroonian defenders before setting up matchwinner, Okoronkwo, who tucked home following a goal-mouth scramble.  

Despite the lead, Cameroon did not go down without a fight as both goalkeepers were kept busy for the rest of the encounter.