Nigeria women hold South Africa and qualify for Olympics

Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum hailed his team after they drew 0-0 with South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games women's football tournament.

The Super Falcons won 1-0 on aggregate thanks to a Rasheedat Ajibade goal from a penalty in the first leg last Friday in Abuja.

Nigeria return to the Olympics tournament after a 16-year absence and will face world champions Spain, Japan and Brazil in the first round of the July 25-August 10 tournament in France.

"Sixteen years without qualifying is a long time and I am extremely proud of the girls," said 67-year-old American Waldrum after a second leg that produced few scoring chances.

"It is a huge accomplishment for Nigeria and we defended brilliantly. There is work to be done when it comes to our attack, and we will improve before heading to France."

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Football

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said: "Failing to reach the finals is obviously a huge disappointment, but I am very proud of the team.

"We gave everything we had, especially in the second half. I could not have asked for more. Congratulations to Nigeria -- they defended resolutely."

Morocco or Zambia will fill the other place allocated to Africa. The North Africans lead 2-1 from the first leg in Ndola.