Nigeria Super Falcons defeated Banyana Banyana of South Africa 1-0 in the first leg of their 2024 Paris Women's Olympic qualifier that was held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday evening.
Randy Waldrum‘s side scored the only goal of the game shortly before half-time as Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade converted a 43rd minute penalty to send Super Falcons into the break the happier side.
However, things became really difficult in front of the goal for both sides who tried to score more goals but neither goalkeeper was beaten to bring the game to a close with a slim advantage for Nigeria heading into the second leg next week.
🏁 FULL TIME! in Abuja 📍
Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-0 South Africa 🇿🇦
Rasheedat Ajibade 43'
First leg ✅ Still to come, second leg in Pretoria on April 9!
Abuja, thanks for your support!
📱#SoarSuperFalcons| #NGARSA| #CAFWCQ| #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/gsqytQuIfg
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) April 5, 2024
Super Falcons 1-0 South Africa: 4 things we learnt
The game gave us quite a number of talking points as it was a hard-fought affair at the Moshood Abiola Stadium for both teams.
However, these are four lessons drawn from the game which ended in a slim victory for the Super Falcons.
1. Super Falcons played the game of their lives
Banyana Banyana have been a thorn in the flesh of th Super Falcons in recent times, coming out tops in their last two meetings.
However, Waldrum's side were determined to halt their losing streak to South Africa as both teams marched each other toe-to-toe.
The first-half was really good from the Super Falcons who could have scored at least three goals. Nonetheless, in a bid to correct their Olympic failures, the Nigerian women displayed bravery and determination to beat Banyana Banyana.
2. Chiamaka Nnadozie was decisive for the Super Falcons
The reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie was in brilliant form for Nigeria against South Africa.
The visitors fought hard to draw an equalizer on several occasions in the second half but the Paris FC shot-stopper proved to be the difference maker denying Jermaine Seoposenwe and her teammates the chance to score with brilliant saves.
3. Banyana Banyana fought well but still lost
Football is anybody's game as the best team doesn't always win.
In an evening the Super Falcons had many chances to score in the first-half but failed to convert them, Desiree Ellis' side could have hurt Nigeria had it not been because of the brilliance of Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal.
The reigning African champions were unrelenting in attack during the second half but couldn't just find the goal they so wanted and in the end lost the game but not for lack of trying.
Credit: @CAFwomen X.
4. It is not over until the return leg
Granted, Nigeria will take a 1-0 advantage into the second leg, but this tie is far from over.
Both sides will give it their all especially South Africa who will be playing in their home turf with fans on their side.
The Super Falcons can score away from home which means Banyana Banyana will be as good in attack and in defense to be able to overturn the tie.
It'll be all to play for next week at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria as these sides battle tooth and claws for a ticket to 2024 Paris Women's Olympic Football Tournament.
Super Falcons starting lineup
Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK); Michelle Alozie, Chidinma Okeke, Christy Ucheibe, Osinachi Ohale; Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade; Uchenna Kanu, Chinwendu Ihezuo.
Subs: Tochukwu Oluehi; Linda Jiwuaku, Ifeoma Onumonu, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne; Nicole Payne, Shukurat Oladipo, Jumoke Alani, Rinsola Babajide; Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo.
When will the Super Falcons play the return leg?
Nigeria Super Falcons will make the trip to South Africa next week as they bid to make their first leg advantage count in the second leg.
Banyana Banyana will host the Super Falcons at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday, 9 April 2024 to decide who picks up one of two available slots to represent Africa in the Summer Olympics.
The aggregate winner of this tie will join 15 other national teams from across the various global confederations for the Women's Olympic Football Tournament which is set to begin on 16 July 2024 in Paris, France.
This article was most recently revised and updated 6 months ago
