Nigeria vs South Africa: Rasheedat Ajibade Scores As Super Falcons Defeat Banyana Banyana

• The Super Falcons of Nigeria faced off against South Africa in the first leg of the Olympic qualifiers
• A first-half goal from forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, was enough to clinch victory for the Super Falcons
• The victory was Nigeria’s first against the Banyana Banyana since the final win at the 2018 WAFCON

Nigeria ensured they got the necessary boost in their quest to secure their first participation at the Olympics since 2008, with a victory against South Africa.

The highly pulsating fixture, which was heralded with a flurry of tough talks in the lead-up to the match, was seemingly settled by a first-half penalty from forward, Rasheedat Ajibade.

The 24-year-old finished from 12 yards out and with some aplomb after defender, Noko Matlou, brought down Chiwendu Ihezuo.

South Africa did show their intent on the night after going a goal down, but none of their efforts and attempts were enough to breach the Super Falcons' defence.

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The Super Falcons seemingly controlled the remainder of the game, and despite Banyana Banyana’s best effort to salvage a draw from the fixture, coach Desiree Ellis' girls found it difficult to breach the defensive set-up put out by the Nigerian team.

The victory marked the first time Nigeria recorded a win against South Africa since the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Ghana.

The Super Falcons will now shift focus to the return leg of the fixture on April 9. Banyana Banyana, however, will take solace from the fact that the defeat was by a solitary goal and not a wide margin as it has been in times past.

The 2022 WAFCON champions have it all to do as the deciding fixture, which confirms which team makes it to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, would be in front of their home fans.

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Randy Waldrum speaks on Nigeria’s clash

Sports Brief in an earlier report stated that the coach of the Super Falcons, Randy Waldrum, had hinted at what his side must do to secure victory against Banyana Banyana.

The 67-year-old stressed the importance of not giving chances to the South African team and remaining fully concentrated for the duration of the game.

The Super Falcons, on the night, were able to effectively execute their game plan and ensure they clinched the crucial first-leg advantage ahead of the return fixture.