Nigeria’s Super Falcons have come one step closer to winning a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games football event after defeating South Africa 1-0 in a first-leg encounter in the last round of qualifiers.
Rasheedat Ajibade struck a penalty in the 43rd minute to give Nigeria the victory in Abuja on Friday.
The Super Falcons started the game strong, pressuring the South Africans at MKO Abiola Stadium. Unfortunately, the team was unable to convert.
🏁 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
Despite relentless pressure, South Africa’s Niko hacked down Chinwendu Ihezuo inside the box. Rasheedat came up to the plate and slotted the ball home, giving Nigeria the lead.
When play restarted in the second half, the Super Falcons could have scored more points. However, a mix of bad finishing and brave defending prevented them from progressing.
Following Friday’s game, the Super Falcons will travel to South Africa for the second leg of the final phase of qualification on Tuesday. The victor of the two-legged tie will receive a ticket to the Paris Olympic Games later this summer.