Nigeria Super Falcon’s hope of making it a La Decima title with the 2022 WAFCON has ended following a 5-4 penalty loss to hosts, Morocco.
The nine-time champions fought bravely against all odds but bow out of the semifinal on penalties with two red cards.
Nigeria was tipped as favorites to win the WAFCON 2022 title, headed to the game against their Moroccan opponent with high pressing.
A cagey first half which saw a glimpse of opportunities for both teams ended goallessly.
At the start of the second half, the Super Falcons were reduced to ten players after the referee gave Ayinde Halimatu a marching order.
That did not deter Nigeria from focusing on the purpose which was to reach the final and in the 62nd minute, Uchenna Kanu broke the deadlock to give Super Falcons the lead via a goal-mouth scramble.
For four minutes, the hosts leveled up as the intensity of the game increased with both teams in search of the winner.
However, Nigeria player’s number on the pitch was reduced to nine in the 70th minute after girl, Rasheedat Ajibade was given a second yellow card.
Nigeria still held kept on pressing even with fewer players and at the same time repelling every threat from the Moroccan as the game went to extra time.
Substitute, Gift Monday almost found the net in extra time that would have been a miraculous victory for the Falcons but her effort hit the woodwork as the game headed to a penalty shootout.
