Nigerian Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum has picked Chinwendu Ihezuo as man of the match of Friday’s Paris 2024 CAF women Olympic qualifiers against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Super Falcons thrashed Banyana Banyana by a lone goal after Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty kick in the first half of the game.
Ihezuo was through on goal but was brought down by Noko Matlou inside the area and the centre referee, Algerian Ghada Mehat blew her whistle and pointed straight to the spot in favour of Nigeria.
Speaking during the post-match press briefing at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Waldrum described Ihezuo’s performance as brilliant and fantastic.
“For me, Chinwendu is the man of the match. She was fantastic up front. Her hold of play was brilliant. She tracked every ball down whether she had the chance to get it or not.
“For every ball, she put the defenders under unrest and that is what you want from a striker. For a player who put that kind of work in, she is outstanding.
“We knew she would do well. I have been following her up in Mexico. She is doing very well this season. She was great,” Waldrum said.
Watch moment Rasheedat Ajibade put the Nigerian Super Falcons ahead of the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.
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— Oyibo of Abuja (@oyiboediri) April 5, 2024
TNG reports after Ajibade’s penalty goal, all efforts to score in the match proved abortive for both sides as both goalkeepers made dashing saves at the two ends.
The result means that the Super Falcons will be travelling to South Africa with a slim win for the reverse fixture holding next week.
The overall winner of the two legged encounter will grab a slot to be one of Africa’s representatives at the 2024 Olympic games slated to be held in Paris, France.