Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers: Three South African Players Nigeria Must Pay Keen Attention to

Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers: Three South African Players Nigeria Must Pay Keen Attention to

Ero Samson
updated at April 3, 2024 at 5:56 PM
In this article:
Nigeria Women logo
Nigeria(w)
Nigeria
18
South Africa Women logo
South Africa(w)
South Africa
23
Women's Olympic Football Tournament logo
Women's Olympic Football Tournament
International
Women's Olympic qualification Play-offs logo
Women's Olympic qualification Play-offs
International
Thembi Kgatlana logo
T.Kgatlana
Tigres(w) logoMSouth Africa logo
Jermaine Seoposenwe logo
J.Seoposenwe
Monterrey (w) logoFSouth Africa logo
Linda Motlhalo logo
L.Motlhalo
-MSouth Africa logo
  • The final round of qualification fixtures for the 2024 Paris Olympics are on the horizon
  • Nigeria's Super Falcons are poised to lock horns with South Africa's Banyana Banyana
  • Sports Brief highlights key Banyana players the Nigerians must pay keen attention to

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The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as the Super Falcons of Nigeria prepare to clash with South Africa in the first leg of the final round of qualifiers for the 2024 Olympics, with a ticket to Paris on the line.

This eagerly anticipated match will see two of the best teams on the African continent go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

South Africa, Banyana Banyana, Nigeria, Super Eagles, Olympics,
South Africa's Banyana Banyana are set to lock horns with the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Image: Marty Melville.
Source: Getty Images

South Africa's Banyana Banyana are determined to extend their unbeaten streak against the Super Falcons, which has lasted for six years. Meanwhile, Nigeria's team are eager to demonstrate to their South African counterparts why they are the most successful women's football team in Africa.

With the match set to be a real spectacle and the atmosphere at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja electric, Sports Brief highlights three South African players whom the Super Falcons must pay keen attention to so as to ensure victory.

South African players to pay keen attention to

Jermaine Seoposenwe

The seasoned forward boasts an impressive record across the continent’s footballing landscape alongside her impressive medal haul of bronze, silver, and gold at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament with Banyana Banyana.

The 30-year-old's versatility stands out as one of her biggest assets, and she possesses the ability to feature seamlessly either on the flanks or through the centre of the attack.

Also, her knack for retaining possession, carving out space for teammates, and delivering crucial goals renders her an invaluable asset to the Banyana Banyana squad.

Having previously found the net against the Super Falcons during the WAFCON 2022 group stages, Seoposenwe would undoubtedly aim to replicate that achievement should the Nigerian defence suffer any lapse in concentration.

Linda Motlhalo

Another standout player for Banyana Banyana, who demands close attention, is the dynamic winger from Racing Louisville.

Known for her blistering pace and precision crosses, she adds a unique dimension to the South African team attack.

Her ability to unsettle defenders and create scoring chances for teammates is exceptional.

Watching Motlhalo's intricate play with her teammates promises to be a captivating sight. To contain her flair and keep her in check, the Nigerian defence will need to be operating at the peak of their abilities.

Thembi Kgatlana

The Super Falcons need no introduction to the former CAF Women's Player of the Year.

This prolific forward was instrumental in securing victory for Banyana Banyana against the Super Falcons in the last WAFCON.

Now representing Tigres UNAL in the Liga MX Femenil in Mexico, this diminutive forward poses a significant challenge for defenders.

Kgatlana's lightning pace, clinical finishing, and knack for creating opportunities out of nothing make her a perpetual threat.

Kgatlana will be looking to lead her team to what would be their third Olympics appearance in history, as reported by SAFA.net.

Waldrum expresses confidence

Sports Brief in a previous report stated coach of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Randy Waldrum, has expressed confidence in his side’s ability to defeat Banyana Banayana.

The 67-year-old aims to guide Nigeria to her first appearance at the Olympics since 2008.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).