Following their 0-0 draw with South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday to earn a spot in the women’s football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games, Nigeria’s coach, Randy Waldrum, praised his squad.
The first leg took place last Friday in Abuja, and Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty kick goal gave the Super Falcons an aggregate victory of 1-0.
After a 16-year break, Nigeria is returning to the Olympics. In the first round of the competition, which takes place in France from July 25 to August 10, they will play world champions Spain, Japan, and Brazil.
“After a second leg that yielded few scoring opportunities, sixteen years without qualifying is a long time and I am extremely proud of the girls,” stated American Waldrum, 67.
“Nigeria has accomplished a great deal, and our defense was excellent. Our offense still needs improvement, but before we go to France, we will make progress.”
Desiree Ellis, the coach of South Africa, stated: “I am extremely proud of the team, but it is obviously a huge disappointment not to make it to the finals.”
“Especially in the second half, we gave it everything we had. I was not able to ask for more. Nigeria deserves congratulations for their staunch defense.”
The other African slot will be occupied by either Zambia or Morocco. After the first leg in Ndola, the North Africans had a 2-1 advantage.
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