Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers: Nigeria go for broke against South Africa in Pretoria

The Lotfus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria will be the focal point of attention on Tuesday evening as South Africa’s Banyana Banyana host Nigeria in the crucial second leg of the final qualifying round for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Having clinched a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg in Abuja, courtesy of Rasheedat Ajibade’s first-half penalty, the nine-time WAFCON champions demonstrated their potential for more goals, evident in their dominant performance.

The encounter at the MKO Abiola Stadium also extended Nigeria’s impressive unbeaten streak to 14 matches, providing Randy Waldrum’s side with the necessary confidence heading into the decisive match in Pretoria.

To secure their place in the Paris Olympics, the Super Falcons must maintain their focus and resilience throughout the encounter.

For Banyana Banyana, overcoming the deficit from the first leg and finding the back of the net against the Super Falcons will be their primary objective, with hopes of forcing the game into a shootout.

The Super Falcons hold a slight advantage, having remained undefeated in their previous two visits to South Africa, securing a victory and a draw in both instances.

Notably, they triumphed 2-1 in the 2010 WAFCON and settled for a 1-1 draw in a 2012 friendly match.

Both teams boast strong lineups, with Bayana Bayana under Coach Desiree Ellis having no injury concerns and likely to field an unchanged lineup.

On the other hand, Super Falcons’ Coach Randy Waldrum may make tactical adjustments, with Asisat Oshoala expected to start after missing the last match due to late arrival from her US base.

Oshoala’s experience could complement Chiwendu Ihezuo’s impressive performance in the first leg.

Additionally, Deborah Abiodun’s recovery from a knock and the defensive pairing of Osinachi Ohale and Christy Ucheibe are crucial considerations for Waldrum.

The winner of this encounter will secure one of the coveted tickets to represent Africa at the Paris Olympics later this year. It’s poised to be a thrilling showdown with Olympic dreams on the line.