Paris 2024 Qualifiers: Desiree Ellis gears up for crucial first leg vs Nigeria in Abuja

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Banyana Banyana Coach Eyes Success in Crucial Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers

As the eagerly anticipated two-legged Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers draw near, Desiree Ellis, the head coach of South Africa’s women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, is already looking ahead to the crucial ties against Nigeria.

With the first leg set to take place in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Ellis emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining focus throughout the matches.

Ellis, who steered Banyana Banyana to their maiden Africa title in 2022, understands the significance of securing a positive result in the first leg to alleviate pressure in the return fixture at home.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s formidable reputation in women’s football, Ellis stresses the need for her team to capitalize on scoring chances while remaining defensively resolute.

“I think the first leg is going to be key and important for us to a good result there to take the pressure off coming home because they [Nigeria] are a quality team. There are no two ways about it,” Elis told SABC Sports.

“We cannot take it likely. We know that if we don’t concentrate for the full 90 minutes, we will get punished.

“If you don’t take your chances, they might get one and put it away. We have to make sure we outscore them and don’t concede. We are going to create chances no matter the team we play but have to convert them.”

With the first leg scheduled for Friday, 5th April, and the return leg set to take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday, 9th April, both teams are gearing up for a fiercely contested battle for qualification to the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.