Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-01 04:02:56
Captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, was present as the Falcons’ camp opened yesterday in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women’s football African final qualifying match against Banyana Banyana of South Africa. These two teams are widely regarded as the best women’s football squads in Africa and will be competing for one of the two slots from Africa for the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s football competition. The first leg of the match will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday, with the return leg scheduled for five days later at the Loftus Versfeld arena in Pretoria.
Ajibade, along with home-based goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku and defender Jumoke Alani (who was called up due to an injury to Ashleigh Plumptre), were among the first players to arrive at camp. Additional players, including Shukurat Oladipo, veteran goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, Japan-based Chidinma Okeke, and Spain-based forward Gift Monday, are expected to join the team today. The remaining squad members will arrive by tomorrow, with Asisat Oshoala, who is based in the USA, expected to join the team on Thursday. South Africa’s delegation, consisting of 24 players, is set to arrive in Abuja later today.
The Super Falcons are highly motivated for this match, as they have not beaten Banyana Banyana in regulation time for many years. Additionally, South Africa defeated Nigeria in the group stage of the Women Africa Cup of Nations last year, ultimately clinching the tournament title. Despite this, Nigeria remains the dominant team in African women’s football, having won nine out of the twelve African titles contested so far. The team boasts a mix of youthful talent and experience, having performed admirably at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Both legs of the upcoming fixture are expected to be intense and closely contested. Nigeria will rely on players like goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe, as well as forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu. The full squad for the two matches is made up of a combination of players based in various parts of the world, including the USA, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, and Italy.
Overall, the Falcons are determined to secure their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics and are focused on overcoming their long-standing rivals, Banyana Banyana, in this crucial qualifying match. The team is well-prepared and has a strong roster of players who are eager to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
