The Super Falcons secured a victory, thanks to Rasheedat Ajibade’s first-half goal. In a dominant performance at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria’s Super Falcons clinched a crucial home win that puts them in contention for Olympic qualification in Paris.
What happened in the game?
The Nigeria team began creating chances as early as the 5th minute, with Ihezuo coming close to giving the Super Falcons an early lead.
The Super Falcons missed numerous chances in the first half. Another opportunity came for the home side when Uchenna Kanu had a chance to score, but the South African goalkeeper Swart recovered well to deny her a chance to score.
Ihezuo nearly broke the deadlock with a beautiful cross from Okeke, but her header narrowly missed the target by inches.
The Nigerian team dominated the game, putting pressure on South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. This pressure led to a penalty in the 41st minute when Ihezuo was fouled by Niko inside the penalty box.
With the Falcons playing strongly, Nigeria pressured South Africa, leading to a penalty in the 41st minute. Ihezuo was fouled inside the penalty box by Niko, and then Ajibade scored past Swart, giving Nigeria the lead in the 43rd minute.
With Nigeria ending the first half with a one-goal lead, the second half commenced with the Banyana Banyana of South Africa kicking off at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
In the 52nd minute, Nigeria had a chance to score, with Ajibade setting up Uchenna Kanu, but her effort went wide.
South Africa had only one clear chance on goal in the second half when Seopesenwe attempted a shot from a distance, but Nigerian goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie had it under control.
Three talking points as Super Falcons defeat Banyana Banyana of South Africa
1. Strong discipline displayed in defense and midfield.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria showed excellent discipline from the defensive unit through to the midfield.
Banyana Banyana struggled to break through Nigeria’s midfield, with their only chance coming in the 56th minute from Seopesenwe.
2. The attack failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
Nigeria’s performance in front of the goal was lacking. The Super Falcons had numerous opportunities to score, with chances to score up to three goals. However, they failed to capitalize on these opportunities. Ajibade’s penalty was the crucial moment that saved the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
3. Some players adapted to different roles and stepped up their performance.
The Nigerian women’s national team really stepped up, with some players stepping up in positions given to them due to some injuries. Christy Ucheibe, a midfielder, adapted well to defense.
What next?
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have secured a victory in Abuja against Banyana Banyana in the First Leg of the CAF Women’s Olympics Qualifiers. They will face South Africa at the Loftus Versfield Stadium for the 2nd leg on April 9th, Tuesday.
Nigeria has not participated in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008. Randy Waldrum and his team must break the 16-year Olympic jinx and complete the job in South Africa with the required result.
