Nigeria legend Ayisat Yusuf issues Olympics rallying cry to Super Falcons – ‘Let’s shift our focus on getting a gold medal’

Randy Waldrum’s ladies qualified for the sporting showpiece after playing a draw against Banyana Banyana

 

Former Nigeria defender Ayisat Yusuf has rallied the Super Falcons following their qualification for the 2024 at the expense of South Africa.

Randy Waldrum’s team secured a 1-0 aggregate victory over Banyana Banyana, earning their return to the global showpiece after missing the last three editions.

They will now face Spain, Japan and Brazil in Group, and the ex-international – who was part of the squad to Beijing 2008 – has encouraged her fellow countrywomen to set their sights on winning the gold medal.

“Congratulations to my darling Super Falcons for qualifying for 2024 Olympics. The South Africans came out with gun blazing but you put up a heroic fight,” she wrote on X.

“I was a part of the squad that last participated at Beijing 2008, and my joy knows no bounds tonight as we are back to where we truly belong. Now, let’s shift our focus on getting a gold medal in Paris.”

With more than 68 international caps to her name, Yusuf played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2004 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations held in South Africa.

She wrapped up her remarkable 14-year career, brimming with trophies, in 2009 and ventured into administration. She etched her name in history as the first Nigerian woman to attain a UEFA B coaching badge.

Currently, coach Yusuf holds the position of head coach for Viikingit FC’s U13 boys team in Finland.

Nigeria will commence their Olympics campaign against Brazil at the Stade de Bordeaux on July 25, followed by matches against Spain and Japan on July 28 and July 31 respectively.