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Banyana, Falcons Face Off In Crucial Final Olympics Qualifier
- The final qualifying match for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games sees South Africa hosting Nigeria Super Falcons.
- Nigeria holds an advantage after a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Abuja.
- Both teams seek victory in the crucial rematch, Nigeria remain undefeated away against South Africa.
Eko Hot Blog reports that African reigning champions, South Africa host the continent’s most successful team, Nigeria Super Falcons in what is expected to be a thrilling showdown in the final qualifying match for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
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The Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana meet once again in just four days, vying for one of Africa’s two coveted spots in the women’s football event at the Paris Olympics, at the 51,000-capacity Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Nigeria is looking to make a return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence, having last featured in the 2008 edition in Beijing.
The Falcons themselves in advantage after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty goal in the 42nd minute was the decisive factor, setting them apart from their opponents as they head into the return fixture in Pretoria.
Falcons celebrating their goal against South Africa in the first leg
This was Banyana’s first defeat since losing 4-3 to Malawi in the COSAFA Women’s Cup in October, while the Falcons, on the other hand, extended their unbeaten run in a 90-minute match to 14 games, and Randy Waldrum’s side will look to avoid defeat to secure a spot at the global sports fiesta.
The Falcons undefeated away record against South Africa, provides a confidence boost as they prepare for their 14th encounter with the continent’s top teams. In their last two visits, the nine-time African champions clinched a win and a draw.
Notably, during the group stage of the 2010 Women Africa Cup of Nations, four-time African Women’s Player of The Year, Perpetual Nkwocha, netted twice, securing a 2-1 victory for Nigeria at the Sinaba Stadium. Two years later, the teams played to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng.
Lotus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, venue of the second leg
Similar results in today’s match will guarantee the Falcons a place at the Olympics.
Asisat Oshoala, who missed out in the first leg after arriving in camp just a day before the crucial match, might be brought back into the team for this encounter.
Coach Waldrum is counting on her experience and skill to give the team an advantage against their hosts.
“As for what I feel about the next leg, there is no difference if we would have won by two (goals) instead of one,” he said.
“I still feel like we have to go and get a result here.
“We don’t want to go and sit back and try to defend and hold on to this victory.
Further Reading
- Ajibade Says Falcons Are Driven To Qualify For Olympics
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“I think we still want to show that we are the best team in Africa and we are the better team. I thought we showed that tonight, and we’ll show it again next week.”
His South African counterpart Desiree Ellis said her team would ensure they scored against Falcons.
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