Two goals in as many minutes late in the first half against Namibia was enough to see Nigeria finish top of Group A and knock the host nation out of the African Women’s Championship this evening in Windhoek.
Namibia went into the encounter against already qualified Nigeria level on three points with Cote D’Ivoire, which was up against already ousted Zambia in the other Group A match played at the Independence Stadium.
The Ivorians took a second minute lead through Estelle Nahi while goals from Gloria Ofoegbu and Francisca Ordega in the 36th and 38th minute respectively gave Nigeria a 2-0 lead against Namibia at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
Zambia scored its first ever goal in the competition through Susan Banda just before the hour mark to level scores, but the Ivorians held on for a 1-1 draw which, coupled with the 2-0 loss for Namibia against Nigeria, was enough to see the West Africans through.
The group stage schedule at the AWC will be completed on Saturday when Cameroun, which has booked its place in the last four, meet Ghana while second placed Algeria and South Africa meet in the other Group B encounter.
Cameroun leads the group with six points while Algeria follows with three points. Ghana and South Africa have a point each and must win their final group stage matches in order to qualify.