The Super Falcons of Nigeria have clinched their spot in the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris, marking their return to the prestigious tournament after a 16-year absence.
Their qualification was confirmed following a hard-fought victory over Bayana Bayana of South Africa, with a narrow 1-0 aggregate win across two legs.
In a thrilling encounter, the Super Falcons displayed their prowess, sealing their place in the Olympics and securing one of the coveted spots allocated to African teams. They now find themselves placed in Group C alongside powerhouse teams such as world champions Spain, Brazil, and Japan.
The road to qualification was not easy for the Nigerian team, but their determination and skill prevailed, marking a significant milestone in their journey back to Olympic competition. This achievement has ignited anticipation and excitement among football fans across Nigeria.
READ MORE: Super Falcons qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics
Looking ahead to the tournament in Paris, Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, emphasised the importance of proper preparation for his team. He called upon the Nigeria Football Federation and the sports ministry to provide the necessary support, including training camps in Europe, to ensure the team is well-equipped to compete against formidable opponents.
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum
“Now my plea and challenge are to the Minister of Sports and to the federation (NFF) to help us prepare properly,” Waldrum told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“We need a camp in Europe to prepare for the group that we have, we need proper training, we need proper transportation. We need to do things right because these women deserve this opportunity to represent our country Nigeria in the best possible way.”
Nigeria’s return to the Olympics holds historical significance, with their last appearance dating back to the 2008 Beijing Games. With their eyes set on making a mark on the global stage, the Super Falcons are gearing up to face formidable challenges in Group C, where they will confront elite teams with illustrious footballing pedigrees.
Reflecting on the journey to qualification, Waldrum expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments and acknowledged the work that lies ahead. He highlighted the need to strengthen their attacking prowess while remaining focused on their goal of representing Nigeria with pride and determination.
“Sixteen years without qualifying is a long time and I am extremely proud of the girls. There is work to be done when it comes to our attack, and we will improve before heading to France.
“I am just extremely excited. I know how much it means to the fans of Nigeria, to the NFF, to all the people of Nigeria not to have qualified for 16 years, so I am very thankful and I just appreciate the support.”
