Nigeria’s Super Falcons have qualified for the women’s football event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Nigeria defeated South Africa 1-0 on aggregate in the last round of qualifiers, earning a spot in the Games for the first time since 2008.
Rasheedat Ajibade’s 43rd-minute penalty in the first leg proved historic, and the Falcons hung on for a goalless draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday.
Randy Waldrum maintained faith in the same lineup that secured the crucial home victory 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.