NIGERIA’S senior women’s football team, Super Falcons, on Thursday evening drew closer to sealing their qualification for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Cape Verde 5-0 in the first leg of the final round.

The qualification format is hinged on home-and-away two-legged matches. Following the Super Falcons’ victory against Cape Verde at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, they are one foot in Morocco 2024.

The Super Falcons’ quest to continue their dominance in the continent, having won the tournament nine times, came alive after Uchenna Kanu gave the lead seven minutes after the blast of the whistle to commence the match.

Fifteen minutes later, Gift Monday doubled the lead after she slotted in the ball past goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigue before Kanu got a brace at the death of the first half.

The first half saw Cape Verde’s Kleydiana Borges come close with a shot, but Oluwatosin Demehin denied her attempt.

The Super Falcons wasted a couple of opportunities before the end of the first half. Toni Payne missed from close range to let off the Cape Verdeans.

The Falcons continued their dominance in the second half, with Esther Okoronkwo getting a brace in the 67th and 77th minutes to secure the victory for the Super Falcons.

Both teams will clash in the second leg in Praia, capital of Cape Verde on Tuesday, December 5.

A victory for the Super Falcons during the second leg will seal their spot at the 2024 Women’s AFCON tournament.

The Super Falcons can only miss the tournament if Cape Verde scores six unreplied goals in the second leg.

Apart from AFCON qualification, the Super Falcons are also in the race to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Falcons will face Cameroon early next year in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.