Super Falcons Aim for Win in Olympic Qualifier vs South Africa

Super Falcons’ captain Rasheedat Ajibade set aside claims that Nigeria’s premier women’s football team played a defensive game against South Africa to secure their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Following a goalless draw in Pretoria, the team confirmed their participation in the upcoming summer games, building on their 1-0 win in the first leg of the qualifier in Nigeria.

Ajibade, the Atletico Madrid star who netted the decisive goal in July to qualify Nigeria for the Olympics, affirmed the team’s offensive intentions in the rematch. We didn’t hold back, we wanted to score goals, she stated, emphasizing the team’s ambition to replicate their first leg performance.

Acknowledging the strides made by South Africa’s team, Banyana Banyana, in recent years, Ajibade highlighted the increasing competition on the continent. We can’t sleep, we have to be on our toes because South Africa wants to catch up with us, she remarked, appreciating the competitive pressure from the South African side.

Ajibade also shared a personal connection with South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana, revealing that their shared faith as born again Christians has brought them closer, underscoring the camaraderie that exists even amidst fierce competition on the pitch.

Editorial

The Super Falcons‘ journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics, culminating in a strategically played draw against South Africa, reflects more than just a qualification it is a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s football in Africa. Under the steadfast leadership of captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Nigeria’s women’s team has once again demonstrated their prowess, ambition, and the strategic finesse that has kept them at the apex of African football for decades.

This latest encounter against Banyana Banyana not only secured their place in Paris but also underscored the burgeoning rivalry that is elevating the standard of the game within the continent. South Africa’s remarkable progress in recent years serves as a wake up call to the nine-time African champions, reminding them that the path to greatness is a continuous journey of improvement and adaptation.

Yet, amidst this competitive fervor lies a story of unity and shared values, as illustrated by the friendship between Ajibade and Kgatlana. Their bond, rooted in faith, goes beyond national allegiances, highlighting the profound connections that football fosters among individuals, transcending borders and rivalries.

As we look forward to the Super Falcons‘ participation in the Paris Olympics, let’s celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines women’s football in Africa. The road to Paris is not just a quest for gold but a journey that showcases the best of sportsmanship, talent, and the unifying power of football.

Did You Know?

• Nigeria’s Super Falcons have won the African Women’s Championship a record nine times, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
• The Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the first time in history that the Olympic Games will have a gender equal number of female and male athletes participating.
• Rasheedat Ajibade was named the captain of the Super Falcons in 2023, taking over from the legendary Asisat Oshoala.
• Thembi Kgatlana won the African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2018, becoming the second South African to earn this accolade.
• The Super Falcons have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991, highlighting their consistent dominance in African women’s football.