Nigeria W 1-0 South Africa W: Rasheedat Ajibade puts Super Falcons on the brink of Paris 2024

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team pipped their opponents from South Africa 1-0 in the first leg of the fourth and final round of the Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers at MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday.

Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade converted a first-half penalty to give the nine-time African champions a slim lead going into be return leg next week.

Unable to record a win in 90 minutes against South Africa in their last four games, the Super Falcons had a huge task to end their winless run against the Banyana Banyana which they achieved by the slimmest margin.

Randy Waldrum started the game with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal alongside Michelle Alozie, Chidinma Okeke, Christy Ucheibe, Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, captain Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

Desiree Ellis gave starting opportunities to Kaylin Swart, Karabo Dhlamini, Noko Matlou, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bongeka Gamede, Hildah Magaia, Linda Motlhalo, captain Refiloe Jane, Lebohang Ramalepe, Thembi Kgathlana, and Jermaine Seoposenwe.

Ihezuo had early chances to score the opener but her efforts went wide.

An early pressure in the eighth minute by Kanu was easily gathered by Swart.

In the 18th minute, Okeke’s cross was headed inches wide by Ihezuo.

The pressure from the Super Falcons paid off in the 41st minute as Ihezuo’s surge resulted in a foul inside the box.

The referee pointed to the spot in favour of the Nigerian and Ajibade converted the winning penalty in the 43rd minute.

The nine-time African champions tried to score the second goal with a glorious chance in the second half as Ajibade set up Kanu but the latter’s effort went wide.

Banyana Banyana gradually found confidence and threatened Nnadozie twice courtesy of a chance from Seoposenwe but the Paris FC goalie was up to the task.

The introduction of Esther Okoronkwo, Toni Payne, and Rinsola Babajide in the place of Ihezuo, Echegini, and Kanu respectively didn’t change the tide of the match as Nigeria will take a slim lead to Pretoria for the return leg on April 9.