Super Falcons begin preparation as Ajibade, others arrive in Abuja

Captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, are among the early birds as the Falcons’ camp opened yesterday ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women’s football African final qualifying fixture against Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

The two teams, arguably the best women football squads on the African continent, are at each other’s jugular for one of the two tickets from Africa for Paris 2024 Olympics women’s football, with the first leg holding at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday. The return is scheduled for the Loftus Versfeld arena in Pretoria five days later.

Ajibade, whose savvy, skill, and sapience helped the Falcons to the Round of 16 at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Down Under, have been joined in the roost by home-based goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku and defender Jumoke Alani (drafted in following injury to Saudi Arabia-based Ashleigh Plumptre), as early birds.

Young defender Shukurat Oladipo, veteran goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, Japan-based Chidinma Okeke and Spain-based forward Gift Monday are expected in camp today. The rest of the squad will be in by tomorrow, although USA-based African queen, Asisat Oshoala, is not expected until Thursday.

South Africa’s delegation, including 24 players, will land in Abuja this evening.

The Super Falcons are extra-motivated for this fixture, having not beaten the Banyana in regulation time for many years now, and having watched as the South Africans carted away the Women Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Morocco last year after the Banyana edged them 2-1 in a group phase match.

Nine-time African champions, Nigeria, still call the shots at that level though, with nine of 12 titles contested so far, and with a squad brimming with youth and experience, and