By: Monsurah Olatunji

Players of the Nigeria women’s national team are optimistic about winning against South Africa as they prepare for the return fixture of their last Olympic qualifying round.

The Super Falcons won the first leg by a lone goal in Abuja, courtesy of Rasheedat Ajibade’s strike from the penalty spot. With the away goal ruled off, coach Randy Waldrum’s side must avoid a defeat in the return fixture to book their place at Paris 2024.
Speaking after the team’s training on Sunday morning in Abuja, attacking midfielders Toni Payne and Jennifer Echegini declared their confidence in securing the Olympic ticket.
The Italian-based midfielder with Juventus also shared her thoughts by insisting that goals will win you games.

“We had a great game on Friday and we didn’t allow them to create too many chances but hopefully we can raise our game the more in Pretoria and ensure that we get the result,” said the Sevilla FC attacker.

“Friday’s game was good, we played well but I think we need to play well and score more goals on their ground but all we are focused on is just to finish the job on Tuesday.
“We want to pick up the ticket on Tuesday and we want it really bad. We trust ourselves that we can do it, we trust the coach, trust the staff to deliver.”

The Super Falcons have never lost to Banyana Banyana on South African soil and will take on Banyana Banyana at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on Tuesday.