Super Falcons book Olympics ticket after goalless draw with South Africa
NIGERIA’S Super Falcons booked their ticket for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France after playing a goalless draw with the Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the second leg of the qualifiers of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in Pretoria on Tuesday night.
The Super Falcons accomplished a glorious return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after 16 years, following an impressive all-round performance in Pretoria that stifled South Africa and rendered their home advantage a nullity.
The reigning African champions, who had boasted that Nigeria’s one-goal win in Abuja on Friday would be swiftly cancelled within the first quarter-hour, sped off the blocks at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium but found a resilient Super Falcons unwilling to give an inch.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called upon to save from a deep-flying corner as early as the third minute, but in a back-andforth theme that characterized the entire game, Nigeria was on the front foot immediately after, with Chinwendu Ihezuo seeing her headed ball caught by Kaylin Swart after a cross by captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
Ihezuo failed to connect with a header to Osinachi
Ohale dipping free-kick in the 27th minute, but then Nigeria breathed better when Thembi Kgatlana made a hash of an opportunity as the Banyana broke forward.
In the second half, Linda Motlhalo, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Nomvula Kgoale proved a handful for The Pride of Africa, as they seized the midfield and got a couple of good passes to their dangerlady, Kgatlana. But at all times, Ohale, Chidinma Okeke, Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Nnadozie were alert and unruffled.
Nnadozie, who plays for Paris FC in France, further enhanced her reputation and market value with great saves in the 70th and 86th minutes. Inbetween, Ihezuo’s flicked header to an Ajibade inswinger went narrowly away.
The one-goal win on aggregate means the Falcons will participate in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 2008, and will join Brazil, Spain and Japan in a potentiallyexplosive Group C in July.
Nigeria returned to the Olympics tournament after a 16-year absence and will face world champions
Spain, Japan and Brazil in the first round of the July 25-August 10 tournament in France.
“Sixteen years without qualifying is a long time and I am extremely proud of the girls,” said 67-yearold American Waldrum after a second leg that produced few scoring chances.
“It is a huge accomplishment for Nigeria and we defended brilliantly. There is work to be done when it comes to our attack, and we will improve before heading to France.”
South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said: “Failing to reach the finals is obviously a huge disappointment, but I am very proud of the team.
“We gave everything we had, especially in the second half. I could not have asked for more. Congratulations to Nigeria -they defended resolutely.”
“We did it! We did it! We are finally going to play in the Olympics,” Ajibade said.