April 06, (THEWILL) – In a closely contested affair, Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated South Africa 1-0 in the first leg of the Paris 2024 Olympics final qualification round on Friday evening, at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
Coach Randy Waldrum made several changes to the side that defeated Cameroon in February, with Christy Ucheibe replacing Oluwatosin Demehin at center-back, Chidinma Okeke coming in for the unavailable Ashleigh Plumptre at left-back and Uchenna Kanu and Chinwendu Ihezuo handed starts in attack.
The home side started brightly, with Ihezuo and Kanu both having early efforts on goal, but it was a penalty converted by Rasheedat Ajibade just before the break that proved the difference between the two teams. The Atlético de Madrid forward stepped up to score from the spot after Ihezuo was brought down in the box.
The second half saw the Super Falcons maintain their pressure, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie making crucial saves to deny the visitors an equaliser. Late substitutions by Waldrum, including the introductions of Esther Okoronkwo and Rinsola Babajide, failed to yield any additional goals, but the record African champions will head into the second leg with a narrow advantage.
The result means Nigeria are in a strong position to secure their place in the Paris 2024 Olympics, but they will need to avoid defeat in the second leg to book their ticket to the tournament.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
