The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics breaking a 16-year jinx in the process.
The Falcons secured qualification Tuesday night after playing out a goalless draw with Bayana Bayana of South Africa to advance 1-0 on aggregate.
Coach Randy Waldrum enhanced his reputation as a shrewd defence tactician in the second leg at the Lutus Verfeld Stadium in Pretoria as Nigeria neutralised the offensive threat of South Africa to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time since Beijing 2008.
Ultimately, the 1-0 victory Nigeria secured on Friday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja courtesy of Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty proved decisive to help Nigeria qualify.
The Super Falcons will now play in Group C at the Olympics where they will face Brazil, Japan and world champions Spain.
In the other Olympic qualifier decided last night, the Copper Queens of Zambia stunned the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco 2-0 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat to qualify 3-2 on aggregate.
Morocco who won the first leg 2-1 away in Ndola were heavy favorites to qualify but they got rocked in the 38th minute when Zambian sensation Barbra Banda scored to level the tie.
Morocco dominated the game but were unable to convert the numerous opportunities they had.
The game then went into extra time and Banda ensured victory for Zambia when she converted a penalty to seal qualification.
The Zambia will play in Group B along with the United States of America, Germany and Australia.
Group A comprises hosts France, Colombia, New Zealand and defending champions Canada.
The 2024 Olympics is slated to take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.