One-time Super Falcons forward Gift Okunwa-Igunbor has charged Nigeria to put their experience and passion to bear when they face South Africa next week, Soccernet.ng reports.
The South African women's national team will face Nigeria in Abuja on April 5 and host the return leg at the Loftus Stadium on April 9 in the final two-legged round of the 2024 Olympic qualifiers.
The winner of the South Africa vs Nigeria match will join Brazil, Japan, and Spain in Group C in the Olympic Games in Paris in July and August.
The Banyana Banyana head into these clashes high in confidence following their recent positive engagements with the Super Falcons.
South Africa have won each of their last two meetings against Nigeria. They claimed a 4-2 win in the Aisha Buhari Cup in 2021 before sealing a 2-1 victory in the group stage of the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations on the road to winning their first continental title.
While Nigeria boast reigning Africa Women Footballer of the Year in Asisat Oshoala and other top stars playing in major European leagues, Okunwa-Igunbor admits the Super Falcons are no match for the South Africans.
The former Nigeria international is, however, backing the Super Falcons to rely on their experience and never-give-up desire to overcome the Banyana.
“I know that South Africa has a better side, but as it goes like this, you know, Nigeria as the champions of Africa, we are always there,” said Okunwa-Igunbor via Sports247.
“But I still believe that we have the edge over every African country because we have the zeal and then we have the capacity.
“We have some experienced players among the team, and I see that there is no team that can stop Nigeria from not going to the Olympics.
“Everybody wants to make their country proud. So, any team that is trying to play Nigeria, they will do their possible best and tie their buckle well so that they can be able to defeat Nigeria.
“But with the experience we have, with the calibre of players that we have all over Europe, America, and other Asian countries, I’m assuring you that Nigeria is going to come out of it and see us in the Olympics.”
Both Nigeria and South Africa have missed out on a few Olympic Games.
The Super Falcons have been to three editions of the Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals at the 2004 event.
However, the former African champions have not qualified for the Olympics since 2008.
South Africa, with two appearances at the Olympic Games, were last at the event in 2016 after missing the 2020 edition.
South Africa is a week plus in camp as of today, but falcon has not assembled.
How on earth is South Africa a better side? What is the definition of “better”. Player for player Falcons are obviously ahead of Banyana. The only challenge is the limited time Falcons will have to train.
And for those who are getting unnecessary emotional about South Africa being in camp already, what exactly are they expecting? Many of our girls still played for their clubs today while a number of Namyana squad are playing in their local league.
The important thing is that our players are in good form presently and are playing actively for their clubs so they are in good form. Inasmuch as Banyana is a pretty good side, I don’t think it’s okay to talk down our team because we are actually the better side.
Okunwa Igunbor sound stupid to conclude that Super Falcon is no match for the South African side. Crazy assumption. We have more quality players than Southafrica but the only problem is related to time factor. Yes the Nigerian side due to their engagement in their various clubs haven’t been in the camp but all the same they aren’t match- rusty as they are playing regularly for their clubs abroad. One week will be enough to reignite the free flowing nature of their football. They need to get the job done in the first at Abuja. A comprehensive victory would ensure that. Good luck ,Super Falcon.
I don’t think south Africa is a treat to the falcons,my only fear is that we are not always serious any time we are playing the south africans and that is why their are always untop of us in our last two meeting but I hope this time around the falcons will be very serious and focused on this first leg befor going to south Africa and finish the job.i’m very sure at the end we will come out victoriously.
The team must stay strong and seriously focused to get the job done against the South African women. They shouldn’t at any time under rate their opponents.