The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2022 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Burundi by four goals to nothing (4-0).
Atletico Madrid attacker Rasheedat Ajibade came into her own against the Swallows of Burundi as she grabbed a goal and a hat-trick of assists to give a much-improved Nigerian side a timely morale booster at the continental tournament.
The Super Falcons nicked the necessary three (3) points to finish second in Group C and the confidence that comes with putting past four unreplied goals against their opponents as the record winners head for the knockout stages.
Super Falcons blitz Burundi at WAFCON 2022
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum made significant changes to his starting line-up as Nico Payne, Peace Efih, and Christy Ucheibe all came in to form a different team from the one that started the last time out against Botswana.
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Waldrum's changes paid off as the Super Falcons dominated the game from the get-go against competition debutants and Group C bottom side Burundi at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The nine-time champions had a four-minute blitz in the first half where they scored three goals between the 25th minute and 29th minute before scoring another within the first 40 seconds of the second half.
Tigres UANL striker Uchenna Kanu scored her first goals of the tournament, grabbing a brace, while Efih also opened her account at WAFCON 2022 as the Super Falcons romped to victory.
Ajibade shines brightest in Oshoala's absence
However, the night belonged to Ajibade as the 22-year-old star continued to take the Super Falcons creative burden upon herself in the absence of star forward Asisat Oshoala.
Ajibade took her goal tally in the tournament to two (2) when she converted a penalty she won herself in the 25th minute to open the scoring for the Super Falcons.
The Atletico Madrid attacker then had a hand in all three goals scored after that as she provided a hat-trick of assists to put the game beyond the reach of their inexperienced opponents.
The former FC Robo star was withdrawn in the 62nd minute with an eye on the beckoning quarterfinals as Nigeria was four goals up already with no signs of a fight back from Burundi.
Super Falcons book quarterfinal spot, to face Cameroon
Sunday's victory took the Super Falcons to second in Group C, three points behind South Africa who won their final group game against Botswana by a lone goal.
Thus, South Africa and Nigeria both clinch automatic qualifications to the quarterfinal stage. Competition debutants Botswana also qualify for the last eight as one of the best third-placed sides, making it out of their group even as first-timers.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria now have a quarter-final date with longtime rivals, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, as all teams aim to reach the semifinals and pick the automatic ticket to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup later next year.