The group stage of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was concluded on Sunday as defending champions Nigeria redeem themselves with a resounding 4-0 victory over Burundi to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The Super Falcons thrashed debutantes thanks to a brace by Uchenna Kanu at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay-Abdellah in Rabat.
Having lost the opening group game to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, Nigeria revived themselves to win their last two games to advance to the last eight.
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum made a couple of changes to the squad that beat Botswana a few days ago with Uchenna Kanu getting her first start in the tournament.
Peace Ewomazino Efih, Christy Ucheibe and Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene also came into the starting line-up for the first time.
But it was Atletico Madrid star Rasheedat Ajibade who opened the scoring in the 25th minute after converting from the spot after she was brought down in the box.
Efih scored her first international goal to double the advantage for Nigeria moments later before Kanu added another goal before the break.
Kanu scored again with an effort from close range just a minute after recess. The Falcons held onto their lead with their domination until the end of the match.
The result means Nigeria finished second on the Group C standings with six points, three less than group winners South Africa who achieved a 100% record by winning all three games.
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