Ajibade Says Falcons Are Driven To Qualify For Olympics

• Rasheedat Ajibade expresses determination to secure an Olympic spot after a 1-0 victory against South Africa in the first leg.
• Nigeria aims to end a 16-year hiatus from the Olympics, with their last participation in 2008.
• The Falcons are ready for the tough challenge in the upcoming reverse fixture in Pretoria.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, expresses the team’s determination to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games following their 1-0 victory against rivals South Africa in the first leg of the final qualifier.

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Nigeria aiming to make a return to the Olympics after a 16-year hiatus, with their last participation in the women’s football event dating back to Beijing 2008.

The Falcons established a strong position for themselves by securing a narrow victory over Banyana Banyana in the initial leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday. Ajibade’s penalty secured the lead for her team, setting the stage for the upcoming reverse fixture in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Atlético Madrid forward Ajibade said the Falcons are motivated to qualify for the Olympics.

She said, “We are not under any illusions. It is going to be a big and tough fight. For us, we have 90 minutes standing between us and the long-elusive ticket to the Olympics and we will give it our all.

“We want Nigerians to believe in the Super Falcons. The players are motivated by the keen desire to play in the Olympics. Personally, I have played at every tournament you can think of, except the Olympics. The time to do it is now.”

She added, “At the end of the day, the grass will be green and it will be 11 players against 11 players. We are ready.”

Ahead of the daunting challenge that awaits the Falcons at the 51,000-capacity Loftus Versfeld Stadium, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie said the 11-time African champions were used to big occasions.

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“The Super Falcons are used to big battles. This one will not be any different. Australia were playing in their home ground at the World Cup but we defeated them.”

Randy Waldrum and his team departed Nigeria for South Africa on Sunday.

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