Nigeria’s Super Falcons have taken a significant step toward securing a spot in the Olympics games with a narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa in the initial leg of the final qualifier for the Paris 2024 games.
The pivotal moment came in the 43rd minute when Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty kick, giving her team the edge at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Friday evening.
Ahead of the match, Ajibade, who plies her trade as a winger for Atletico De Madrid Femenino, expressed the team’s determination to seek redemption against South Africa.
The 24-year-old has displayed commendable performance for her club this season, tallying five goals and providing four assists primarily from the left wing.
She played a crucial role in Nigeria’s previous victory over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, contributing to their 1-0 win over two legs in the third round of qualifiers.
The return fixture between Nigeria and South Africa will take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday, April 9.
Nigeria’s qualification for the Olympics has eluded them since 2008.