Paris 2024: Ajibade Scores As Super Falcons Beat Banyana in Olympic Qualifiers’ First Leg in Abuja

• Super Falcons claim the first win in the two-legged Olympic Games qualifying playoff against Banyana Banyana
• Rasheedat Ajibade was on the scoresheet as Nigeria defeated South Africa at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja
• Randy Waldrum's side will travel to South Africa next week for the second leg of the clash at the Loftus Versfeld

The Super Falcons of Nigeria claimed a crucial win over Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the first leg of the final qualifying playoff for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Randy Waldrum's side earned a deserved 1-0 win over Desiree Ellis's South African side at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday evening.

A first-half goal from Rasheedat Ajibade was enough for the Super Falcons to take an advantage in the first leg.

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Football

Nigeria started the game as the better side and could have scored an early goal from Chinwendu Ihezuo's effort, but her shot went over the bar.

The Pachuca Femenil forward had another chance in the 18th minute, but she headed Okeke's cross wide.

The Super Falcons finally scored from the penalty spot two minutes before the break after Noko Matlou brought down Ihezuo.

Ajibade beat South Africa's goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart, to put the Super Falcons in front.

South African women were energised after the break and tested Chiamaka Nnadozie twice within four minutes.

The Paris FC goalkeeper denied Jermaine Seopesenwe's effort from distance in the 56th minute before saving another chance in the 60th minute.

Banyana Banyana will have a chance to overturn Super Falcons' one-nil advantage when they welcome them to the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, on Tuesday, April 9.

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Football

Waldrum speaks ahead of South Africa’s clash

Sports Brief earlier highlighted Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum's key points on securing victory against Banyana Banyana.

The 67-year-old emphasised the need to deny chances to the South African team and maintain full concentration throughout the match.

The Super Falcons executed this strategy effectively, securing a crucial first-leg advantage in line with Waldrum's tactical instructions.