With the Super Falcons set for a date with destiny on Friday, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Mohammed Sanusi has urged Nigerians residing in the Federal capital, Abuja, its surrounding areas, and neighbouring states to turn out in great numbers at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Nigeria and South Africa are set to compete in a two-legged encounter in the fourth and final stage of the qualification journey for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The Super Falcons will host Banyana Banyana in the first leg.
Ahead of Friday's encounter, the nine-time African champions are unbeaten in their five most recent matches, securing four victories and one draw. Throughout this impressive run, they've netted a total of 12 goals, while conceding just once. Among their opponents in this stretch are Ethiopia, Cape Verde, and Cameroon.
Similarly, Banyana Banyana have triumphed in four matches, with one draw to their name. They've showcased their offensive strength by scoring a total of nine goals while conceding only once. Notable opponents during this period include DR Congo, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.
NFF drums home support for the Super Falcons
With the anticipation building up for the crucial encounter between the Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana, the NFF is leaving no stone unturned in rallying support for the team.
“This is a big match by all standards. We are specially appealing to our people to come en masse and support the Super Falcons. It is important for us to get a big win here in order to be in good stead before flying to South Africa. A handsome win here will bolster our ladies with the confidence and mentality to overcome in Pretoria,” gushed Sanusi.
Could the Falcons' poor preparation derail their chances against Banyana Banyana?
While South Africa have been in camp for the past two weeks, their Nigerian counterparts have only started trickling in this week, with most of them based overseas.
The Super Falcons now have a full squad with the arrival of the reigning African Women's Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, along with Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The South Africans have been in Nigeria since Sunday and boast players like Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Mothlalo, and Sinoxolo Cesane in their ranks, ready to pose a threat.
Given Nigeria's limited preparation for this game, many Nigerian football fans are wondering whether the Super Falcons can defy the odds and secure a victory against their opponents.
How Banyana Banyana matched up with the Super Falcons in the past
Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons have faced off a total of nine times. The Super Falcons have emerged victorious in three matches, while Banyana Banyana have also won three, with the remaining three ending in stalemates.
Across these encounters, a total of 17 goals have been scored, with Nigeria netting eight and South Africa scoring nine.
The most significant victory between the two teams was secured by Banyana Banyana, who triumphed 2-1 over the Super Falcons at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2022) in July 2022.
When did the Super Falcons last qualify for the Olympic Games?
The Super Falcons have a stellar track record in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, having secured the championship title nine times out of 12 tournaments, with their most recent victory occurring in 2018.
Their Olympic journey comprises three previous appearances: their debut in 2000, a quarter-final berth in 2004, and their most recent participation in 2008.
However, despite their undeniable prowess, subsequent qualifications have proven elusive for the team.
Now, under Randy Waldrum's guidance, can the Falcons break this streak and secure a coveted spot in the Olympics for the first time since 2008?
The world eagerly awaits the answer.
What next for Falcons after Olympic securing Olympic ticket?
The victor between the Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana across two legs will join Group C as per the draw outcomes.
Group C is home to the reigning world champions, Spain, who are set to make their Olympic debut, along with two-time Olympic silver medalists Brazil and London 2012 silver medalists Japan.
