The Super Falcons qualified for the women’s football event of the 2024 Olympics in Paris after playing a goalless draw with South Africa at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on Tuesday.
Taking a 1-0 lead into the encounter, from the first leg in Abuja on Friday, the Falcons, who have never lost on South African soil, knew they must avoid a defeat to end their 16-year wait and they did just that to silence the home crowd.
The qualification means the 11-time African champions will participate at the Olympics for the first time since Beijing 2008.
American coach Randy Waldrum kept faith with the same players that earned the victory at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja five days ago.
Trying to make their home advantage count, Banyana Banyana piled pressure on the Falcons in the opening minutes as they tried to level the aggregate from the blast of the whistle.
Unperturbed by the African champions’ early pressure, the Falcons held their ground as they began to string passes and were almost rewarded with a goal four minutes into the encounter. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dribbled past her marker before floating a fine cross into the South Africans’ area but Chinwendu Ihezuo headed straight at Kaylin Swart, in goal for the hosts.
The first 45 minute was all about the Falcons as they created a series of chances to extend their lead.
Two minutes after creating their first chance, Nigeria almost got the opener as Chiamaka Nnadozie’s long clearance was misjudged by Swart, gifting Ihezuo an opportunity to fire at goal but the striker was thwarted by a Banyana defender, who frantically cleared for a throw-in.
Afterwards, it was cruise control for Nigeria in the opening stages but there was, however, a scary moment for the visitors in the 10th minute after Osinachi Ohale’s poor headed pass was intercepted by a Banyana striker but Ohale was lucky as her side conceded a corner, much to the relief of the defender.
Having spent the most time on the pitch as a mere spectator, Nnadozie was called into action in the 38th minute by Nomvula ‘Lipstick Lady’ Kgoale. The midfielder tried a long-range shot, which was calmly saved by the France-based goalkeeper.
With just five minutes into the end of the first 45 minutes, Kanu missed the best chance of the game after she was set up by the marauding Michelle Alozie, but the winger’s chest control let her down, despite being left alone with the opposing goalkeeper.
Kanu again wasted another glorious chance to put the game beyond the home side as she failed to hit target after a fine counterattack started by Jennifer Echegini, before the referee brought the first half to an end.
With the second half underway, Waldrum sent in Toni Payne for Kanu, who picked a knock just before both teams headed into the tunnel.
Unsurprisingly, the hosts came out blazing after the restart and with the crowd behind them, Desiree Ellis’ side threw everything at the Falcons, but the visitors’ defensive line and Nnadozie were up to the task as they kept the hosts at arm’s length.
With not many clear-cut chances created, the Falcons were satisfied to sit back and soak the pressure.
In the 68th minute, Waldrum brought on Esther Okoronkwo for the workaholic Echegini in a bid to regain possession.
South Africa thought they had drawn level with 70 minutes on the clock but again Nnadozie reacted quickly to save a low drive, denying Banyana from close range.
Seven minutes before full-time, Asisat Oshoala replaced Ihezuo, but there was little action from the former Barcelona forward as the Falcons sat back and holding on to their slender lead.
There was a rapturous celebration on the Falcons bench as the referee blew the final whistle, ending Nigeria’s 16-year wait to participate at the women’s football event at the Olympics.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
