Nigeria Super Falcons and Ethiopia fought valiantly today in Addis Ababa, concluding in a 1-1 draw that set up an intriguing return leg in Abuja on Tuesday next week.

At the Abebe Bikila Stadium, the Ethiopian girls had unexpectedly seized the lead in the sixth minute of play when Birkie Amare made hay with a corner kick.

However, six minutes after the restart, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s blistering effort from the edge of the box restored parity.

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Michelle Alozie moved to left back to free up Nicole Payne to take over at right defence, while Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday operated from the wings with Asisat Oshoala at the top striker.

Oluwatosin Demehin and Akudo Ogbonna assumed command at the centre of the defence, and Peace Efih joined Toni Payne and Ajibade in the middle to hold things together while Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde were out of the picture.

A close first quarter made it difficult for both teams to generate many opportunities, though Asisat Oshoala ought to have done better with a chance that came from Payne’s cross midway through the first.

The Falcons seized complete control after Ajibade tied the score. In the 64th minute, replacement Ifeoma Onumonu had a chance to put Nigeria ahead but was stopped as she primed the trigger.

In the 79th minute, Payne and Onumonu teamed to produce a gilt-edged opportunity, but Oshoala was unable to make any headway again.

When Onumonu leaped above everyone to head into the net at the last second, the Falcons believed they had won.

Lamia Atman, the Algerian referee, saw foul play during the build-up, nevertheless.

The teams will face off once more on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The winner on aggregate will go to the third round, where the victor of the Cameroon/Uganda match will be waiting.