The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lauded midfielder Peace Efih for her remarkable mental toughness, contributing to the Super Falcons’ decisive 5-0 victory over Cape Verde in the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations first-round encounter.

Despite the unfortunate loss of her mother just 48 hours before the crucial match, Efih exhibited resilience in her defensive midfield role.

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Paired with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Deborah Abiodun, she played a pivotal role in orchestrating the team’s commanding win at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the President of the NFF, expressed admiration for Efih’s mental strength and dedication to the team.

He stated, “Hers is an example of a super patriot who will give everything for the good of the motherland. The loss of a parent is a calamity, a thing of sadness and sorrow.

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Peace decided it was better to honour her mother’s memory with a great performance that has taken the team closer to another appearance at the Women’s AFCON. She deserves our praise.”

Efih’s exceptional toughness and productivity played a very important role in securing a substantial lead for the Falcons, making the upcoming return leg in Cape Verde a formality for the nine-time champions.

The Falcons are set to secure their ticket to the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, with the return leg scheduled to take place at Santiago-Estádio Nacional Cabo Verde on Tuesday. The team arrived in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, on Sunday, gearing up for the decisive encounter.

The return leg, officiated by Liberian referee Sylvina Welma Garnett, is expected to feature key players such as assistant referees Hannah Moses (Liberian), Precious Amara, and Humu Marah from Sierra Leone, with Oumou Souleymane Kane and Fadouma Dia from Mauritania and Senegal serving as commissioner and referee assessor, respectively.

Other Morocco 2024 final round, second leg encounters include Egypt vs. Senegal, Guinea vs. Mali, and Zambia vs. Angola, among others. The Super Falcons aim to secure their place in the prestigious Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with another strong performance in the return leg.