Super Falcons beat Algerian Desert Ladies 3-0 on aggregate in 2020 Olympic qualifier

NIGERIA'S Super Falcons have qualified for the third round of the 2020 Olympic Games knock-out stage after beating Algeria 1-0 in Lagos yesterday to secure a 3-0 aggregate victory over their North African rivals.

Having won the first leg 2-0 in Algiers, yesterday's game at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos had been expected to be a formality but the Algerians defended stoically. It was not until the second half that skipper Asisat Oshoala was able to break their resilience and clinch the winner for the Falcons.

Nigeria's galaxy of foreign-based stars who were absent in the first leg, could not make a statement with their performance in the first half of the match as despite their domination, they could not break down the Algerians. Barcelona Women's striker Asisat Oshoala led the Nigerian attack that piled pressure on the Desert Ladies in search of a goal.

However, the Algerians were solid in the defence, keeping the Falcons at bay until the 59th minute. Luck ran out on the visitors as Oshoala put together a brilliant solo run for a perfect finish.

Her lone goal was enough to send the side into the third round against either Mali or Ivory Coast, who face each other. Currently the African champions, the Super Falcons have been ever-present at the Fifa Women's World Cup since it began and have dominated African football for decades.