Nigeria 2-0 Ghana: Observations from the 22 AWCON qualifier as Super Falcons soar in Lagos

Here are three observations from the match, as Nigeria took a giant leap towards qualifying for the next round of the 2022 AWCON qualifier.  

Scrappy but effective performance from the Super Falcons

Two goals from Uchenna Kanu in the 20th and the 26th minutes helped the Super Falcons take a huge advantage ahead of the second leg in Accra. 

The fact that Nigeria kept a clean slate means the Black Queens of Ghana will need three unrepaired goals before they could eliminate Nigeria from the race. 

However, it must be stated that it was a scrappy performance from the Super Falcons but a highly effective one as the team maintained their resolute, doggedness and discipline on the day not to lose focus despite their struggle to contain the Ghanaians. 

The Black Queens grew in confidence as the game dragged on but the first goal from the run of play came as a rude shock before they could recover from it, they conceded the second goal. 

The team composure in the second half should worry the Super Falcons handlers as the Ghanaians have their big moments in the game.  

The Ghanaians will be disappointed with themselves for not getting at least an away goal from the game despite their inspiring performance. 

It's not yet over as the Black Queens will come out in the second leg believing they could pull through if they try.

Nigeria midfield needs to do better 

The Super Falcons conceded the midfield to the energetic Grace Asantawaa of Ghana as the player was the star of the day, she tormented the Super Falcons and dictated the pace of the match-all day. 

Coach, Randy Waldrum needs to address the midfield troubles of the team before the return leg in Accra as the defensive midfield was almost none existent and the demand on the part of the midfield will be more in Accra. 

Asisat Oshoala fire blanks again 

Asisat Oshoala had a bad day as she continue to fire blanks in the Super Falcons shirt. 

The team captain is yet to score for the Super Falcons in their last three outings, contrary to how she scores for fun in her club.

The Barcelona forward needs to lift her game and start scoring to help the team as long as the coach continues to keep faith with a prolific goal scorer.

Randy Waldrum needs to work on all these observations and improve before the 5 pm kick-off time of the second leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday 24 October 2021.  

The aggregate winner of the game over the two legs will proceed to face Cote' divoire in the final phase of the qualifiers as the Ivorians defeated Niger by 9-0 in the first leg played on Wednesday to make the second leg a formality. 

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Olusola Adebayo is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, self-motivated writer with over 10 successful years of experience. 

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