Paris 2024 on the line: Nigeria and South Africa face off in final qualifiers

The final round of the African women’s football qualifiers for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will see two of the continent’s powerhouses, Nigeria and South Africa, clash for the coveted spot. The two-legged tie, scheduled between April 1 and 9, 2024, promises to be a thrilling and tense encounter, as both teams have a history of rivalry and ambition. The winner of the tie will join the host nation France and 11 other teams in the global showpiece, which will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Nigeria’s Dominance and Determination

Nigeria, the reigning African champions and the most successful team in the continent, have qualified for every edition of the Olympics since 2000, except for the 2012 London Games. The Super Falcons, as they are nicknamed, have reached the quarter-finals twice, in 2004 and 2008, and have been eager to make a run for a medal in Paris. They have been impressive in the qualifiers so far, scoring 15 goals and conceding none in six matches. They have also shown resilience and character, overcoming tough opponents such as Cameroon and Ghana.

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Nigeria’s coach Randy Waldrum, who took over the team in January 2023, has expressed confidence and optimism in his squad, which boasts of experienced and talented players such as Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega, and Halimat Ayinde. Waldrum has also praised the team’s spirit and unity, saying that they have a common goal and vision. He has also acknowledged the challenge posed by South Africa, saying that they are a strong and formidable team, and that Nigeria will not underestimate them.

South Africa’s Progress and Potential

South Africa, the runners-up of the 2018 African Women’s Cup of Nations and the 2019 COSAFA Women’s Championship, have never qualified for the Olympics, and have been dreaming of making their debut in Paris. The Banyana Banyana, as they are nicknamed, have been impressive in the qualifiers so far, scoring 14 goals and conceding one in six matches. They have also shown flair and creativity, playing an attractive and attacking style of football.

South Africa’s coach Desiree Ellis, who has been in charge of the team since 2016, has expressed pride and excitement in her squad, which boasts of experienced and talented players such as Janine van Wyk, Thembi Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane, and Leandra Smeda. Ellis has also praised the team’s improvement and consistency, saying that they have grown and matured as a team. She has also acknowledged the challenge posed by Nigeria, saying that they are a dominant and formidable team, and that South Africa will not fear them.

The final round of the African women’s football qualifiers for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will see Nigeria and South Africa face off for the coveted spot. The two-legged tie, scheduled between April 1 and 9, 2024, promises to be a thrilling and tense encounter, as both teams have a history of rivalry and ambition. The winner of the tie will join the host nation France and 11 other teams in the global showpiece, which will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.