Femi Solaja
Spectators who will troop into the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja tonight are guaranteed a game for the vintage memory as nine-time African champions Nigeria and reigning champions South Africa clash in a highly explosive and no-holds-barred encounter with the 2024 Olympic Games women’s football event ticket at stake.
Both countries, with stellar talents in the women’s game, reached the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year, and Nigeria, at 36th in the world, are ranked 15 places above South Africa. The match will be at hand from 5pm.
Banyana Banyana are aiming to qualify for the Games for the third time, after appearing in 2012 and 2016, while Nigeria are seeking a return to the Olympics for the first time since 2008.
To underscore their seriousness about giving the Super Falcons a good fight for the ticket, the delegation of Banyana Banyana to the encounter arrived in Abuja since Sunday, and have been training for the big match since that day.
On Monday, the South African High Commission started an active mobilization of South Africans living in Nigeria to come and support the reigning African champions.
On Wednesday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi called on residents of Abuja and environs, and even in the neighbouring states, to storm the MKO Abiola Stadium in their thousands to cheer the Falcons to victory.
The above scenario means that a sizable crowd is guaranteed inside Nigeria’s largest football temple this Friday evening.
Coach Randy Waldrum is most likely to stick to his tested-and-trusted World Cup rearguard, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defenders Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale. In the absence of the injured Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre, Alozie could move to left back to give returnee Chidinma Okeke the space on the right, with youngster Shukurat Oladipo likely to pair Osinachi in the centre.
Hard-as-nails Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe will spearhead the midfield, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and the slippery Deborah Abiodun providing the guile and flamboyance. Uchenna Kanu, Esther Okoronkwo, Jennifer Echegini, Rinsola Babajide, Gift Monday, Asisat Oshoala and the returnee Chiwendu Ihezuo are all options in the attack.
Coach Desire Ellis also has dependable weapons in her armoury, not least of them the nimble-footed Thembo Kgatlana, and Jermain Seoposenwe, both based in Mexico. There’s also the crafty Hildah Magaia, as well as midfielders Linda Motlhalo, Jane Refiloe and Nomvula Kgoale.
“We want our people to come to the stadium and support us. The Super Falcons do not fear any team. With their support, we will play with total confidence and overcome,” said goalkeeper Nnadozie.
The return leg will take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday evening.
