South Africa vs Nigeria: Key Things to Expect As Banyana Banyana Hosts Super Falcons

• Banyana Banyana are set to face the Super Falcons in the final round of Olympic qualifiers
• The winner-takes-all clash will see one of the teams represent Africa at the 2024 Paris games
• Sports Brief highlights key things to expect as the two African football powerhouses lock horns

The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as South Africa's Banyana Banyana hosts Nigeria's Super Falcons in the final round of the Paris Olympics Qualifier.

This winner-takes-all match, scheduled for Pretoria, will determine which team secures one of Africa's coveted spots at the Summer Olympics.

The Super Falcons have not participated in the Olympics since 2008, while Banyana Banyana are aiming for only their third appearance at this prestigious event.

With the buildup to the clash intensifying and the exchanges of mind games and boastful remarks escalating, Sports Brief highlights three key things to expect from this pivotal fixture.

Olympic Qualifiers: South Africa release 24-player roster to face Super Falcons

Football

Things to expect as South Africa hosts Nigeria

Hostile crowd

The Super Falcons should brace themselves for one of the most hostile and electric crowds they have ever faced. Discussions from the South African camp have revolved around leveraging their home advantage to the fullest.

With Banyana Banyana expected to enjoy fervent support, the Super Falcons must ensure they flawlessly execute their game plan despite the overwhelming crowd support.

However, it is worth noting that coach Randy Waldrum's side are no stranger to playing against teams with substantial support, as evidenced by their recent match against Australia at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

Counter-attacking Super Falcons

The game is expected to feature a flurry of counterattacking situations for the Super Falcons, as they aim to soak up the press from the South Africans and hit them on the counterattack.

Banyana Banyana arrive in Abuja preparing for hostile battle against Super Falcons in Olympic qualifier

Football

It has to be said that this type of football scenario has been one that Coach Waldrum's team have often thrived under. With the pace of attackers including Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala, and the impeccable distribution from midfielders like Jennifer Echegini, the Super Falcons can hurt Banyana Banyana on the counter.

Relentless Banyana Banyana attack

The game is also expected to showcase an onslaught of attacks from the South Africans. Banyana Banyana will be playing in front of their home crowd and will be under pressure to represent their nation admirably.

Coach Desiree Ellis' side will be aiming to secure a much-needed victory against Nigeria, with hopes resting on their attackers, including Thembi Kgatlana, to help clinch the crucial win against the Super Falcons.

Ellis speaks ahead of Nigeria’s clash

Sports Brief in another report stated coach Ellis expressed confidence ahead of Banyana Banyana's second-leg clash with the Super Falcons in Pretoria.

South Africa’s last appearance at the women’s Olympic event was at the Rio 2016 Games, and they failed to qualify for the 2020 Games in Tokyo, Japan.