Super Falcons qualify for Olympics — first time in 16 years

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the women’s football event of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Nigeria defeated South Africa 1-0 on aggregate in the final round of qualifiers to book a place at the Games for the first time since 2008.

Rasheedat Ajibade’s 43rd-minute penalty in the first leg proved historic as the Falcons held on to a pragmatic goalless draw at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday.

Randy Waldrum kept faith in the same line-up that clinched the vital home win on Friday.

The Falcons dominated the match in the early stages. They held on to the ball, with the South African attack barely troubling Nigeria’s makeshift centre-back pairing of Christy Ucheibe and Osinachi Ohale.

Chiwendu Ihezuo was handed an opportunity, but her header off a Deborah Abiodun cross trailed wide.

The match settled for a cagey battle in the midfield, with chances few for both teams.

Chimaka Nnadozie was a domineering presence in the air as she mopped up the South Africans’ crosses before they escalated into danger for Nigeria.

Nigeria held on for a vital draw and secured a berth to represent Africa in Paris later this year.

The Falcons will be playing at the Olympics for the fourth time. They qualified for the competition in 2000, 2004 and 2008.

The 2024 Olympics is billed to take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.