The Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated arch-rivals, the Banyana Banyana of South Africa 1-0 in the first leg of their Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.
The match took place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria on Friday, April 5, 2024.
After a pressing start, with both sides unable to score a goal, the Nigerian side won a penalty.
Atlético Madrid forward and Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, wore the leadership badge to take on the penalty. She put the ball in the back of the net to give the Super Falcons a 1-0 lead in the 43rd minute.
The Banyana Banyaya put in pressure to find an equalizer in the second half. Unfortunately for them, the final whistle went off, sealing Nigeria’s win.
This is a sign of hope for the Super Falcons who are currently the CAF Women’s Team of the Year and 9-time Women African Cup Of Nations Champions.
The Falcons have failed to qualify for three consecutive Olympic games – London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. They last appeared in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
The second leg of the Super Falcons qualifying match against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa is slated for Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Pretoria, South Africa.