Olympic qualifiers: Ex-Atletico Madrid star headlines South Africa’s preliminary squad list ahead of Nigeria clash

The Super Falcons will lock horns with South Africa later in April

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has named a 29-woman preliminary squad ahead of the crucial Olympic qualifiers in April, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Falcons have not qualified for the Women’s football competition of the Olympic games since 2008. However, they are just one step from ending their long hiatus in the competition.

Randy Waldrum’s women would have to get past the Banyana Banyana of South Africa to get a ticket to the Olympics, but it will not be an easy one for them. Nigeria saw off opponents like Cameroon and Ethiopia, while South Africa saw off DR Congo and Tanzania.

Nigeria and South are set to square off on April 1 and April 9, and ahead of the game, Banyana Banyana boss Ellis has invited 29 players. And, of course, their star girl, former Atletico Madrid star Thembi Kgatlana, was not left out. Other notable additions are Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia, and Lonathemba Mhlongo.

Full Squad

The players will open camp on March 25, and the team will be trimmed down to 23 players afterwards.

Nigeria will play the first leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on April 1. Then, they will travel to South Africa eight days later.

Meanwhile, the NFF is yet to reveal Nigeria’s squad for the game. But unlike the Banyana Banyana, coach Randy Waldrum is expected to reveal his final 23-woman list at once.

Nigeria and South Africa are two of the biggest teams on the continent, and the game is expected to be a tough one.

This post was last modified on March 14, 2024 6:58 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Victor Osimhen’s goal rescues draw for Galatasaray at Hatayspor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored Galatasaray's solitary goal in their hard-fought 1-1 draw against… Read More

18 minutes ago

“Under-appreciated” – Alex Iwobi joins Manchester United’s Amad Diallo in Troy Deeney’s BBC Team of the Week

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, was included in Troy Deeney’s BBC Matchday… Read More

2 hours ago

Premier League clubs eyeing Lazio and Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has reportedly caught the attention of English Premier League clubs… Read More

3 hours ago

“No country can stand against us” – Omeruo praises Eguavoen for Super Eagles’ growth, backs Chelle for success

Super Eagles and Kasımpaşa defender, Kenneth Josiah Omeruo, has backed Nigeria's new coach, Eric Chelle,… Read More

4 hours ago

Maduka Okoye in hot soup: Super Eagles star under investigation over alleged betting scandal

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could be in trouble in Italy as he is currently… Read More

5 hours ago