The Super Falcons of Nigeria won their seventh title after beating Cameroon 2-0 in the 9th edition of the African Women Championships (AWC) final match played over the weekend in Namibia’s capital Windhoek.
In the game played played at Sam Nujoma stadium on Saturday night, Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala set Nigeria’s tone for victory in the 12th and 43rd minutes respectively.
Nigeria, who have never lost to Cameroon since the inception of the continental showpiece in 1991, led 2-0 at half time. Cameroon resumed stronger and their quest for goal received a boost with the introduction of Ajara Njoya for Francine Zouga.
Later, Ivem Mihamle also came on for Madeleine Ngono Mani who found it difficult to unsettle the Nigerian defense.
Cameroon pressed further but Nigeria held on to claim victory and further extended their record to seven titles (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2014).
Nigeria duo scorers, Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie had their individual efforts rewarded.
The former received the top scores award for scoring the most goals (five) at the two-week championship whilst the latter, went away with the Best Player award for the Most Valuable Player Cameroon goalie, Annette Ngo Ndom took the Best Goalkeeper award, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana claimed the CAF Fair Play award.
Eight countries qualified for this 9th edition of the AWC whom included Zambia, Ivory Coast, Namibia (hosts) and Nigeria (Group A).
Others included Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana and Algeria in Group B.
Nigeria (champions), Cameroon (1st runners up) and Ivory Coast (winner of play offs) qualified to represent Africa at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.