The Super Falcons of Nigeria held the Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon to a 0-0 in the opening leg of the third round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers on Friday in Douala.

In this match, head coach Randy Waldrum made his comeback to the team following the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.

Ashleigh Plumptre, whose most recent game with the former African champions came during the World Cup, was also back in the lineup.

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The Falcons are trying to qualify for the Olympics for the first time since the Beijing games in 2008.

The Falcons have not made it to the games since 2008; they have not made it in three straight years (2012), (2016), and 2020.

In the last round of qualifying, Cameroon defeated the Falcons on penalties shootout to deny them a spot in the London 2012 Olympics.

The Cameroonians had a chance to take the lead in the eleventh minute of Friday’s draw, but Chiamaka Nnadozie stopped them.

Even though Toni Payne had a fantastic run-in in the 28th minute, she was unable to set Asisat Oshoala up for the opening goal.

On minute 54, the Falcons believed they had taken the lead when substitute Jennifer Echegini’s shot was flagged for offside.

After that, on minute 64, Echegini set up Oshoala on the edge of the box, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper brilliantly stopped her effort.

The second leg between the two sides will take place in Abuja on Monday, February 26.

In the last qualifying round, the winner between the Falcons and Cameroon will play either Tanzania or South Africa.

South Africa defeated Tanzania 3-0 on the road in a game that was played on Friday, and they appear to be headed to the championship round.