Perpetua Nkwocha’s second hat-trick of the tournament propelled Nigeria to a 5-1 win over Cameroon and the final of the African Women’s Championship.

Nkwocha

The result also means the Super Falcons qualify to play in the finals of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The other goals came from Helen Ukaonu and Ugochi Oparanozie with Jeannette Ngock bagging her side’s consolation.

Cameroon have only picked up a measly one point from Nigeria in six meetings at the African Women Championships. It was a trend that Cameroon coach Enow Ngachu was determined to reverse, especially with a place in the World Cup Finals at stake.

It was no surprise then to see the Indomitable Lionesses start at a high tempo, but not before Nigeria had issued a statement of intent in the opening 40 seconds.

Stella Mbachu sprinted down the right from kick-off, and delivered a low cross that Nkwocha just failed to direct in with her head.
Warning taken, Cameroon went down the other end. Gabrielle Onguene was fouled by Onome Ebi on the edge of the box, and Christine Manie hit the side netting from the free-kick.

Helen Ukaonu then blasted a free-kick just over, after Cathy Bou hacked Oparanozie on the edge of the box for her first yellow card of the game.

The game was shaping up to be one of those epic contests and Nigeria-based Bayelsa Queens lady Bella Francois tested Nigeria goalkeeper Precious Dede with a long distance effort.

Ebere Orji answered for Nigeria, heading against the right stick from Nkwocha’s delivery.
Bou was having problems keeping track of the wily Nigerian forwards, and it proved to be her and Cameroon’s undoing.
She picked up her second booking of the game after just 27 minutes for a clumsy, two-footed scythe on Mbachu and Cameroon were short by one.