By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria women’s senior national team will take on the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in a crucial first-leg of their last qualifying round for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Friday.
There is little to separate these two teams as they are the highest-ranking teams on the continent.
South Africa are the reigning African champions but Nigeria still boasts head-to-head superiority between the two teams with six victories.
Yet, no other African team has beaten the Super Falcons more times (four times) than the Banyana Banyana.
However, with a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics on the line, both teams boast exceptional talent.
NigeriaFootball.ng take a look at the top five Nigerian players to shine brightest against their rivals:
1. Osinachi Ohale;
Veteran defender, Osinachi Ohale is the anchor of the Super Falcons’ defence.
With her wealth of experience and leadership, the Pachuca defender will be tasked with the crucial role of shutting down South Africa’s dangerous attacking trio, particularly the pace and power of Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe.
The 32-year-old’s strength, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game make her a formidable opponent for any attacker.
2. Uchenna Kanu;
Following her current form with Racing Louisville, Kanu is expected to terrorize South Africa’s defence.
The 27-year-old forward has been plying her trade with the American side since February last year and became the first player to score a brace inside six minutes of an NWSL game.
3. Deborah Abiodun;
The 20-year-old brings a tireless work ethic and a dynamic presence to the center of the park.
The University of Pittsburgh Panthers midfielder can disrupt South Africa’s attacks, win possession, and initiate counter-attacks with her driving runs forward.
Known for her relentless stamina, tackling prowess, and ability to distribute the ball effectively, Abiodun will inject youthful energy into the midfield.
4. Chiamaka Nnadozie; 
Known for her penalty-saving prowess, the African Goalkeeper of the Year will be a thorn in the flesh for the Banyana Banyana attack.
In September, she helped her club to a surprise victory over Arsenal and Wolfsburg, giving the Parisian club their first-ever appearance in the Champions League finals.
Since 2020, the Nigerian goalkeeper has lived in the City of Lights for four years, where she plays for topflight club Paris FC. Having fallen in love with this city, Nnadozie hopes to participate in the Olympic Games which will take place in her second home.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper must help the Super Falcons overcome the last African obstacle in their path.
5. Jennifer Echegini;
Echegini, who joined the Black and Whites from Florida State Seminoles in January scored her first career hat trick over the weekend and will be motivated to establish her name in the national team using South Africa as a stepping stone.
The fantastic midfielder, known for her technical skills, tactical awareness, and goalscoring ability, also excels at breaking down opposing attacks and initiating attacks for the Super Falcons with her pinpoint passing and vision.
The upcoming clash promises to be a battle for supremacy between two African giants, and the performances of these Super Falcons players will be instrumental in determining which team takes a step closer to achieving their Olympic dream.