Sports

Super Falcons Draw Algeria, See Country Set to Face in Quarter-Finals

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 14th, 2025.

Super Falcons Draw Algeria, See Country Set to Face in Quarter-Finals

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Nigeria’s Super Falcons were held to a goalless draw by Algeria in their final Group B match at the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco on Sunday.

The result saw Algeria’s Lady Fennecs qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time in the tournament’s history, joining Nigeria, who had already booked their place in the next round following a 1-0 win over Botswana on Thursday.

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu rotated his squad for the match, opting to rest several first-team players in preparation for a crucial quarter-final clash against Zambia’s Copper Queens on Friday. New faces in the starting eleven included defenders Shukurat Oladipo, Miracle Usani, and Sikiratu Isah, alongside midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forward Francisca Ordega.

In Sunday’s match in Casablanca, Algeria employed a defensive approach, crowding the backline and limiting Nigeria’s chances in front of goal. Despite this, Francisca Ordega remained a constant threat, continuing her lively form from the friendly against Portugal in Lisbon last month.

Shortly before halftime, Ordega whipped in a dangerous cross that fell to Ifeoma Onumonu, but her shot was blocked before reaching Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar.

Nigeria pushed for a breakthrough in the second half, with attempts from Echegini, Ordega, and substitute Esther Okoronkwo, but the Algerian defense held firm to preserve the stalemate — a result that guaranteed their historic progression to the knockout stage.

With the draw, Nigeria topped Group B with seven points, followed by Algeria with five. Botswana and Tunisia ended their campaigns with three and one point respectively.