Black Queens’ Portia Boakye turned Arsenal Ladies forward Asisat Oshoala’s header into her own net in the 19th minute for the Super Falcons’ lead, but Ghana equalised three minutes from the break from the spot through skipper Elizabeth Addo, who was fouled in the Nigerian box. Oshoala, who scored four goals in the 6-0 defeat of Mali on Sunday, failed to inspire the Falcons to victory.
However, the Falcons still top Group B with four points – same as Ghana – but with a superior goal difference. Nigeria play Kenya on Friday in their last group match while Ghana meet Mali.
Nigeria coach Florence Omagbemi started Chioma Wogu in place of Uchechi Sunday as they sought to maintain their superiority over their bitter rivals.
The Falcons began the better of the two sides as they pegged the Black Queens back for the opening 18 minutes of the encounter but could not take the lead, despite creating good chances.
Thereafter the Nigerians got anxious in front of goal and blew several goalscoring chances as they failed to take advantage of their possession.
The Queens grew into the game and got their first shot on goal in the 23rd minute through a free-kick, which was played wide. They drew level in the 42nd minute after defender Ugo Njoku was adjudged to have fouled Ghana striker Samira Suleiman. Addo stepped up and calmly dispatched the kick past Jonathan Alaba.
In the second half, the Falcons piled much pressure on their opponents but the Queens were well-organised in defence.
Oshoala should have put Nigeria ahead in the 63rd minute but failed to connect a cross by Francisca Ordega. And in the 77th minute, substitute Florence Dadson came close at the other end, but Jonathan timed her run well.
A move by Faith Ikidi pierced the Ghanaian defence in the 88th minute but Ordega could only fluff the opportunity with substitute Desire Oparanozie, who replaced Wogu, unmarked behind her.
In added time, Nigeria’s appeals for a penalty after goalkeeper Ama Nana Asantewaa upended Oshoala were ignored by the referee.
--Roluyo Hammed and Rabiu Wasiu contributed reporting.
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