Afrigather The Tremendous Falcons have booked their ticket to the 2024 Olympic Video games in Paris, France, later this 12 months, Soccernet.ng reviews.
Nigeria certified for the occasion for the primary time in 16 years after getting the higher of South Africa 1-0 on combination.
The Tremendous Falcons received the primary leg 1-0 in Abuja on Friday earlier than forcing the Banyana Banyana to a goalless draw within the return fixture in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Listed below are the takeaways from the encounter:
The Tremendous Falcons have turn into a well-oiled unit
It was lovely to see the Tremendous Falcons play with such organisation and cohesiveness on the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand final 12 months.
It feels much more wonderful to note that the crew has not misplaced any of these qualities eight months after the Mundial.
From the goalkeeper to the defenders to the midfielders and straight to the attackers, each single member of the crew is aware of what is anticipated of her per time.
They press the opponent when wanted, assault with self-discipline, and defend as a unit whereas working laborious for one another. Gorgeous stuff, and kudos to Randy Waldrum.
Waldrum wants an important right-back cowl for Alozie
Stunning, trendy, good, and classy, Michelle Alozie is likely one of the hottest Tremendous Falcons gamers.
She is superb at proper full-back, as was evident on the 2023 Ladies’s World Cup, the place she was one in every of Nigeria’s most excellent gamers.
Nonetheless, she is deployed as an attacker at her membership, Houston Sprint, which affected her defensive duties over the 2 video games towards South Africa.
Alozie was caught out of place a couple of occasions, did little to frustrate the South African assault from her flanks, and misplaced easy passes.
She bailed the crew out a few occasions with well timed interceptions, however her total show was under common.
Nnadozie is one of the best goalkeeper on this planet
Okay, one in every of.
Chiamaka Nnadozie is likely one of the finest goalkeepers on this planet. And that’s with out exaggeration.
She made a few saves in Abuja to assist Nigeria maintain a clear sheet, and she or he was the chief purpose South Africa didn’t strike the Tremendous Falcons’ web in Pretoria.
Calm, composed, and authoritative within the field, she got here to her defence’s rescue the few occasions South Africa broke by.
Nnadozie has proven her talents numerous occasions for Paris FC in France and the UEFA Ladies’s Champions League, and it’s so pleasing to see her repeat the feat for the Falcons.
Okeke is a superb deputy for Plumptre
It was saddening for followers when Ashleigh Plumptre pulled out of those double-legged fixtures towards South Africa as a result of harm.
It appeared as if Nigeria’s left-back wing could be susceptible for South Africa to take advantage of.
Nonetheless, not in Abuja or Pretoria did the Banyana Banyana discover it a simple project to get previous Okeke.
She tackled laborious, positioned nicely, supported the assault, and gave her all around the two video games.
Similar to that of Osinachi Ohale, Halimotu Ayinde, and Christy Ucheibe, her position on this candy victory will likely be understated, however she deserves her flowers in addition to the others.
World champion Spain be warned
After overcoming South Africa, Nigeria’s place within the Olympics is assured.
The Tremendous Falcons have been drawn in Group C for the 2024 Olympic Video games, the place they’ll compete towards world champions Spain, Japan, and Brazil.
Anybody who expects Nigeria to be the whipping crew in that group had higher warn Spain and the others that these Tremendous Falcons ladies have grit and a great deal of guts.
Carry on the world’s finest, and they won’t crumble. Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Eire came upon the laborious approach on the World Cup. Time for Spain and Brazil to really feel the wrath. Straight to Paris.
