Paris 2024: All to fight for in second leg as Cameroon-Nigeria ends in stalemate

The Cameroon-Nigeria tie is perfectly balanced and there’s all to fight for when both teams meet for the reversed fixture scheduled for Monday, February 26, in Abuja, to complete the grapple for an Olympic slot.

Friday’s scoreline did not tell the complete story with the both teams playing enterprising football and Nigeria, even having two goals disallowed.

Second half substituted Echegini had the ball in the net, but having proceeded with celebrations, the referee adjudged to be a foul at minute 54.

A very cagey affair saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons nearly clinch it away from home, creating better chances.

Echegini’s entrance in the game turned proceedings in favor of Nigeria, after Cameroon dominated possession but failed to create clear cut chances.

The Juve forward came off the bench to score in the 47th minute and seven minutes later, making her presence felt when she fired Nigeria ahead.

However, the referee flagged for offside, with replays showing Echegini was onside when she netted after lack of communication between Inis and goalkeeper Bihina.

Echegini later teed up Asisat Oshoala for a gilt-edged chance, but the veteran striker missed the opportunity to grab a potentially vitrd al away goal for Nigeria.

Both sides failed to produce any further goals despite half chances missed by Cameroon’s Meyong Menene, and Lamine Mana in the second stanza.

The tie is finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Nigeria. But the Super Falcons will feel aggrieved after having a goal chalked off, denying them a lead to take back home.