Super Falcons hold on against toothless Banyana Banyana to seal first Olympic ticket in 16 years
Nigeria’s Super Falcons sealed their place in the Paris 2024 Olympics after playing out a goalless draw against South Africa at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Falcons traveled to Pretoria to take on reigning African champions South Africa at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. They already secured a 1-0 win from the first leg in Nigeria, and they just needed to avoid a defeat in the second leg to nick the much-coveted Olympic ticket.
Coach Randy Waldrum named the same lineup from the first leg, with Asisat Oshoala starting from the bench once again.
The first half was pretty balanced, with Nigeria and South Africa canceling out each other. The level of play was quite brilliant as both teams opted to play from the back rather than launch long balls from defense to attack.
However, very few chances fell to both sides, as both defenses were tight. Nnadozie was hardly called to action, as South Africa failed to fashion out clear-cut chances in the first half. On the other hand, the Super Falcons had one shot on target, as Ihezuo’s header from Ajibade’s cross was well saved.
South Africa were much better in the second half, but they were neutralized by the Super Falcons’ setup. They did have a good chance in the 70th minute, but Nnadaozie was at alert, as she saved Sinxolo’s strike.
The Paris FC shot-stopper made another good save in the 86th minute to keep Nigeria in control and still in pole position to get the win.
The Super Falcons maintained the scoreline despite some urgency from the Banyana Banyana, and they eventually played out the draw.
The result ensured that the game ended 1-0 on aggregate, securing the Super Falcons’ place in the Olympics later this year in Paris.
🏁FULL TIME! in Pretoria 📍
South Africa 🇿🇦 0-0 Nigeria 🇳🇬 (0-1 agg)
Nigeria breaks the Olympic jinx since 2008 with a 1-0 aggregate victory over South Africa, securing qualification! We are through to @Paris2024 🎉
📱#SoarSuperFalcons| #RSANGA| #CAFWCQ| #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/GwFeLSwFBv
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) April 9, 2024
It will be Nigeria’s first appearance at the Olympics since 2008, and they will join group C of the female football competition alongside Japan, Brazil, and Spain.
A Rasheedat Ajibade goal was enough to seal the Paris 2024 Olympics qualification for The Super Falcons of Nigeria.
It is the first time they’ve done so since the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
They will join Spain, Brazil, and Japan in Group C.#RSANGA #Paris2024Olympics pic.twitter.com/QnDScunYEr— Fola Guerreiro (@folahan_jnr) April 9, 2024
