The Super Falcons of Nigeria have vowed to play the game of their lives to ensure that the team beats South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on Friday to brighten their chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
The nine-time African champions will face the reigning African champions South Africa in the first leg of the Olympics qualifier billed for the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Speaking ahead of the match today, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie said, “We want our people to come to the stadium and support us. The Super Falcons do not fear any team. With their support, we will play with total confidence and overcome.”
Also on Wednesday, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said that the team’s objective remains the same since the start of the Olympics qualifiers.
“From the time we played Ethiopia, we have been committed to seeing these qualification series through. Our objective has always been to win a slot to the Olympics. Most of us are yet to play in the Olympics and it is a big issue with us. We want to be there in Paris,” she stated.
Nigeria has not participated in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008, when the Falcons lost all three matches in the group phase in China.
Coach Randy Waldrum has an impressive lineup to call on to turn that tide, including goalkeeper Nnadozie, Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Deborah Abiodun, Rinsola Babajide, Gift Monday, and six-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala.
The delegation of Banyana Banyana to the encounter arrived in Abuja on Sunday, while on Monday, the South African High Commission started active mobilization of South Africans living in Nigeria to come and support the reigning African champions.
Similarly, on Wednesday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, called on residents of Abuja and environs to come to the MKO Abiola Stadium in their thousands to cheer the Falcons to victory.
The match is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
The return leg will be played on Tuesday evening at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
