Nigeria Next Big Hope Okobi Stars As Super Falcons Set Up Semifinal Meeting With South Africa

Defending champions Super Falcons of Nigeria were in fine form as they annihilated Mali 4-0 to set up a semi final cracker with South Africa in the 2016 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Goals from Ngozi Okobi, Faith Ikidi, Asisat Oshoala and substitute Desire Oparanozie proved to be enough for the highly fancied side to defeat the Kenyans in Limbe on Saturday.

Falcons coach Florence Omagbemi made two changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Ghana, with Okobi and Uchechi Sunday the anointed ones for Osarenoma Igbinovia and Chioma Wogu.

The seven-time African champions took the lead in the 3rd minute through Okobi who turned home a brilliant effort from outside the area.

Ugo Njoku was also the provider for Nigeria’s second three minutes later, picking out Faith Ikidi Michael who headed home from close range.

The Super Falcons tried to score more goals in the first stanza but their efforts wasn’t enough.

Back from recess, the champions led upfront by Oshoala pressed for more and were soon rewarded.

The Arsenal Ladies star finished off a sweet move to make the scoreline 3-0.

Second half substitute Oparanozie put the icing on the cake in the 88th minute with the 4th goal of the game and her first of the competition, leaving Omagbemi highly satisfied.

The result ensured that Nigeria finished top of the group with seven points. In the other match of the day, Ghana defeated Mali 3-1 to also end up with seven points but they were edged on goal difference by the Falcons.

Kenya Starters: Akinyi, Awuor, Wanjiku, Nixon, Avilia, Alouch, Bundi, Akida, Achieng (c), Ambogo, Anyango

Super Falcons Starters: Alaba Jonathan, Faith Ikidi Michael, Ugo Njoku, Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Okobi, Halimatu Ayinde, Rita Chikwelu (c) (Osarenoma Igbinovia), Francisca Ordega, Uchechi Sunday (Desire Oparanozie), Asisat Oshoala

Subs Not Used: Ibubeleye Whyte, Rita Akarekor, Ebere Ngozi, Gladys Akpa, Glory Iroka, Ijeoma Obi, Chioma Wogu, Esther Sunday

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : fifa.com