By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have picked one of Africa’s ticket for the Paris Olympics Games with a 1-0 aggregate despite a 0-0 draw against WAFCON defending champions, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Pretoria, South Africa.
Desiree Ellis’s team who struggled to create chances against the number-one-ranked women’s team on the continent in the first leg in Abuja couldn’t find their rythm despite playing at home in the second leg this Tuesday.
The Randy Waldrum led Super Falcons took charge of the second leg in Pretoria, having confidence of their 1-0 aggregate lead from team captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty in the first leg.
Coach Randy Waldrum said, now the focus is to intensify preparation for the Olympics proper in mid-year in Paris, France.
The pair of highly experienced Halimatu Ayinde and fresh blood Deborah Abiodun continued their midfield marshalling where they paused from the first leg in Abuja.
Halimatu Ayinde who plays for FC Rosengard said, this a dream come through despite representing the country on different competition at all levels except the Olympics, noted that this can only be God.
“It has always been my biggest dream to play at the Olympics for my country and now I can only say, thank God Almighty for this opportunity. This is indeed a fulfilled career,” she added.
Ayinde described Deborah Abiodun, as a great talent and a long term asset for the team. “Playing alongside Deborah reminds me of my early days with the Super Falcons,” she recalled.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons would now join world champions, Spain, Brazil and Japan in Group C.
The Olympics is scheduled for July and August in Paris.
