The Super Falcons secured a spot in the women’s football event of the 2024 Olympics in Paris after playing to a goalless draw with South Africa at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on Tuesday, The PUNCH reports.
With a 1-0 lead going into the match from the first leg in Abuja on Friday, the Falcons, who have never been defeated on South African soil, knew they needed to avoid a loss to end their 16-year wait, and they successfully did so, quieting the home crowd.
The qualification means the 11-time African champions will participate in the Olympics for the first time since Beijing 2008.
American coach Randy Waldrum stuck with the same players who secured the victory at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja five days ago.
Attempting to capitalize on their home advantage, Banyana Banyana put pressure on the Falcons in the early minutes as they sought to equalize the aggregate from the start.
Unfazed by the early pressure from the African champions, the Falcons held their ground as they started to pass the ball and were almost rewarded with a goal four minutes into the match. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dribbled past her opponent before sending a good cross into the South Africans’ area, but Chinwendu Ihezuo headed straight at Kaylin Swart, the hosts' goalkeeper.
The first 45 minutes belonged to the Falcons as they created a series of opportunities to increase their lead.
Two minutes after creating their first chance, Nigeria almost scored the opening goal as Chiamaka Nnadozie’s long clearance was misjudged by Swart, giving Ihezuo a chance to shoot, but the striker was blocked by a Banyana defender, who hurriedly cleared for a throw-in.
After that, Nigeria controlled the game in the opening stages, but there was a scary moment for the visitors in the 10th minute when Osinachi Ohale's poor header was intercepted by a Banyana striker. However, Ohale was fortunate as her team conceded a corner, much to the relief of the defender.
Having spent most of the time on the field as a mere spectator, Nnadozie was called into action in the 38th minute by Nomvula ‘Lipstick Lady’ Kgoale. The midfielder attempted a long-range shot, which was calmly saved by the France-based goalkeeper.
Just five minutes before the end of the first 45 minutes, Kanu missed the best chance of the game after being set up by the advancing Michelle Alozie, but the winger’s chest control failed her, despite being left alone with the opposing goalkeeper.
Kanu again squandered another excellent opportunity to put the game beyond the home side as she failed to hit the target after a good counterattack started by Jennifer Echegini, before the referee ended the first half.
With the second half beginning, Waldrum brought in Toni Payne for Kanu, who had been injured just before both teams headed into the tunnel.
As expected, the hosts came out strong after the restart, and with the crowd behind them, Desiree Ellis’ side gave their all against the Falcons, but the visitors’ defensive line and Nnadozie held firm as they kept the hosts at bay.
With few clear chances made, the Falcons were happy to sit back and handle the pressure.
In the 68th minute, Waldrum substituted Esther Okoronkwo for the hardworking Echegini to try to get the ball back.
South Africa believed they had equalized at 70 minutes, but Nnadozie reacted quickly to stop a low shot, preventing Banyana from scoring from close range.
Seven minutes before the end, Asisat Oshoala replaced Ihezuo, but there was little action from the former Barcelona forward as the Falcons sat back and held onto their narrow lead.
There was an enthusiastic celebration on the Falcons bench when the referee blew the final whistle, ending Nigeria’s 16-year wait to participate in the women’s football event at the Olympics.
