Nigeria will play in its fifth Olympic women’s football competition at Paris 2024 after clinching a place in the global tournament following a goaless draw in Pretoria, South Africa, on Tuesday (April 9).
The Super Falcons had their last appearance in the 2008 edition in Beijing.
After leading 1-0 in the first leg in Abuja, the 11-time African champions needed just a draw to secure their place in Paris and did enough to trouble the African champions, who were unable to break down their resolute defences. .
Despite putting up higher numbers, Desiree Ellis’ attacks did not cause any problems for the Nigerian defence, as Thembi Kgatlana only scored in the 48th minute after being sent to the goal, but her shot went wide again. Amoginang Motau could have sent the game into extra time in the 85th minute following an assist from Kgatlana, but her shot was easily blocked by the goalkeeper as the Super Falcons remained disciplined in defense to protect the full scores.
Despite the disappointing result, against Nigeria, Banyana Banyana right-back, Lebohang Ramalebi, was awarded his 100th jersey by the South African Football Association after the match. Ramalebi plays brilliantly as a defender as a member of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winning Banyana Banyana CAF team, as well as the team that reached the Round of 16 of the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup.