Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated South Africa 1-0 in the first leg of the final round of qualifiers for the women’s football event at the 2024 Olympics Games.
Rasheedat Ajibade’s goal from the penalty spot gave the Nigeria’s side an advantage in 1-0 win against South Africa ahead of the second leg encounter.
The match which was played on Friday at the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja saw Ajibade scored a penalty from the spot in the 43rd minute after Chinwendu Ihezuo was brought down in the box.
Super Falcons kept their lead through the second half with several chances for both sides to alter the score sheet unproductive.
Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, was without Ashleigh Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin, who pulled out of the clash due to injury. Asisat Oshoala was also left on the bench after a late arrival to camp.
Chidinma Okeke, Chiwendu Ihezuo and Jennifer Echegini started instead of the three absentees.
The Super Falcons exhibited impressive performance from the beginning of the match. Uchenna Kanu troubled the Bayana Bayana defence, but Kaylin Swart, the South African goalkeeper, proved that she prepared for the encounter.
However, the Nigerian pressure broke through the South Africans in the 43rd minute. Noko Matlou brought down Ihezuo in the Bayana Bayana goal area, and Nigeria was awarded a penalty kick.
The Falcons will take their slender 1-0 lead into the 2nd leg of the encounter in Pretoria, South Africa on Tuesday April 9.
The winner on aggregate score will pick the Paris 2024 Olympics ticket.
