Captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, has urged Nigerians to rally behind the team as they prepare for the crucial second leg of their Olympic qualifying playoff against South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite securing a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg in Abuja, Ajibade emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and determination ahead of the return fixture in Pretoria.
Speaking ahead of their departure for South Africa, the Atletico Feminine forward expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure the coveted Olympic ticket.
“We want Nigerians to believe in the Super Falcons,” she stated. “The players are motivated by the keen desire to play in the Olympics. Personally, I have played at every tournament you can think of, except the Olympics. The time to do it is now.”
Reflecting on the first leg encounter, the 24-year-old forward acknowledged the stellar performance of South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who made crucial saves to keep the deficit at just one goal. However, she remained optimistic about the Super Falcons’ chances, citing their history of overcoming tough challenges.
As the Super Falcons gear up for the decisive clash, the support of millions of Nigerians will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for the team as they aim to secure their place at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France.