
Super Falcons and their coaching crew celebrating after qualifying for 2024 Paris Olympics. | Credit: NFF.
Nigeria celebrated a triumphant comeback to the Womenโs Olympic Football Tournament after 16 years, following a stellar performance in Pretoria on Tuesday night that silenced South Africa and neutralized their home advantage.
The reigning African champions, who had confidently predicted that Nigeriaโs narrow victory in Abuja on Friday would be swiftly overturned within the first quarter-hour, started strong at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. However, they encountered a resilient Super Falcons team unwilling to yield an inch.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was immediately tested, saving a deep-flying corner as early as the third minute. This set the tone for a back-and-forth game, with Nigeria showing attacking intent. Chinwendu Ihezuo had a chance with a headed ball from a cross by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, but her effort was caught by Kaylin Swart.
In the 27th minute, Ihezuo failed to connect with a header to Osinachi Ohaleโs dipping free-kick. Nigeria breathed a sigh of relief when Thembi Kgatlana missed an opportunity as South Africa countered.
In the second half, Linda Motlhalo, Jermaine Seoposenwe, and Nomvula Kgoale posed a threat to South Africa, controlling the midfield and providing opportunities for Kgatlana.
However, Nigeria’s defense, led by Ohale, Chidinma Okeke, Christy Ucheibe, and goalkeeper Nnadozie, remained alert and composed.
Nnadozie, who plays for Paris FC in France, further enhanced her reputation with impressive saves in the 70th and 86th minutes. Meanwhile, Ihezuo narrowly missed a flicked header from an Ajibade in-swinger.
With the one-goal aggregate win, the Falcons will make their first appearance in the Womenโs Olympic Football Tournament since 2008. They will join Brazil, Spain, and Japan in Group C in July.
โWe did it! We did it! We are finally going to play in the Olympics,โ exclaimed Ajibade excitedly at the final whistle.
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