Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty goal was all the Super Falcons had to show for their efforts in Friday’s Olympic qualifier against South Africa’s Bayana Bayana at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Now the nine-times African Champions walk a tightrope in the second leg next week in Pretoria, they must have to get the result that will earn them a ticket to Paris 2024, otherwise they team would miss four Olympics in a row.
The Super Falcons fluffed several scoring chances in the first half they dominated. Chinwe Ihezuo missed in the 5th minute after being put through by Jennifer Echegini. She also headed wide in the 18th minute after a teasing cross from Chidinma Okeke.
But Ihezuo who was given the nod by coach Randy Waldrum in place of latecomer Asisat Oshoala won a penalty in the 40th minute after she was tripped in box by Bayana Bayana’s Matlou Noko , and Ajibade tucked the ball into the net.
The Super Falcons sustained the pressure in the second half, but again the misses continued. Uchenna Kalu had the chance to increase the goal advantage in the 52nd minute, but she shot wide after she was put through by Ajibade.
Bayana Bayana fought back to level the game, but Chiamaka Nnadozie was excellent in goal, she made two spectacular saves to secure the slim win.
Line ups
Nigeria starting 11: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Chidinma Okeke, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Chinwendu Ihezuo
South Africa starting 11: Kaylin Swart, Bongeka Gamede, Matlou Noko, Seoponsenwe, Dhlamin Karabo, Makhubela, Hildah Magaia, Mothlhalo, Jane, Ramalepe Lebohang Kgatlana,