Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier: Five observations from Super Falcons' narrow 1-0 win over Banyana Banyana

Nigeria secured a slim 1-0 victory over South Africa's Banyana Banyana at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Friday evening. 

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the victory courtesy of a penalty in the 43rd minute. 

The win puts Nigeria in a strong position to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics ahead of the second leg in Pretoria. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the victory.

1) Nigeria ends eight-year drought against South Africa

The Super Falcons emerged victorious against South Africa for the first time in eight years.

Prior to this encounter, the Super Falcons had struggled to overcome South Africa in their last five meetings, with their previous victory dating back to November 29, 2016, when they secured a 1-0 win.

2) Chiamaka Nnadozie crucial against South Africa 

The Super Falcons' goalkeeper, Nnadozie, showcased her instrumental prowess when put to the test against South Africa. 

Nnadozie's impactful presence was felt as she made two vital saves in the second half, securing Nigeria's lead.

Firstly, she thwarted Jermaine Seoposenwe's long-range effort in the 56th minute, skillfully parrying the shot to maintain Nigeria's advantage. 

Just four minutes later, Nnadozie once again proved her mettle, making an astounding save amidst a flurry of attacks by Banyana Banyana, thus ensuring Nigeria remained in control of the game.

 3) Super Falcons wasteful in front of goal

 Despite securing a narrow victory over South Africa in Abuja, the Super Falcons' performance in front of goal left much to be desired. 

Nigeria may feel frustrated with the final scoreline as numerous opportunities were not converted. 

In the second half, Uchenna Kanu squandered a glorious chance, failing to capitalize on an open goal after a precise delivery from Rasheedat Ajibade. 

Similarly, Chinwendu Ihezuo missed several opportunities in the first half, further exacerbating Nigeria's struggles to convert chances into goals.

As they look ahead to the second leg, the Falcons will lament their missed opportunities and recognize the need to be more clinical in front of goal to secure a more comfortable outcome.

4) Asisat Oshoala benched; young talents given chance to shine

Coach Randy Waldrum opted to start Asisat Oshoala on the bench, entrusting Chinwendu Ihezuo with leading the Falcons' attack alongside Uchenna Kanu and Rasheedat Ajibade.

This decision is being hailed as courageous, as it provides an opportunity for the younger players to demonstrate their abilities and potentially shape the future of the national team.

Oshoala did not train fully with the team in their final workout on Thursday following her late arrival to the camp in Abuja.

 5) NFF face challenges in delivering quality broadcast

The Nigeria Football Federation encountered difficulties in delivering a seamless broadcast of the game to Nigerians.

 Numerous viewers were unable to watch the game due to technical issues with the streaming platform on NFF TV, including glitches, lags, and indications of poor internet connections.

 Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: safa.net

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