The second leg of the Paris 2024 Olympics qualifier game between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Banyana Banyana of South Africa takes place today, April 9 at 18:30 (Nigerian time) in Pretoria, South Africa.
Nigeria won the keenly contested first-leg encounter at the MKO Abiola stadium 1-0, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade scoring from the penalty spot, last Friday.
Today’s all-important clash could see the Super Falcons end their 16-year wait for an appearance at the Olympic Games.
Nigeria’s last appearance was at the 2008 games in Beijing, with the team losing all three games against Brazil, Germany, and North Korea.
Ahead of the clash, South Africa’s goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart is confident that her team can pick up the ticket to the games.
“I think the second leg is going to be tough, but I think the coaches know exactly what’s needed, and as players, we will also look at ourselves, and hopefully we’ll come back with a better individual performance,” she told CAF Online.
“I think if we can start (the second leg) the way we finished the second half (in Abuja), I think there’s so much more to give, but we’re not down yet. I still believe in my girls; I still think that we can turn it around at home, and I just hope that the fans will come out and be behind us because I do think there’s so much more in the second leg, and hopefully we can get the goals we need.”
Super Falcons Rasheedat Ajibade though admitted that the clash will be a tough battle expressed optimism that Nigeria can make it to the games in Paris.
“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 said.
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