South Africa's women's national football team, Banyana Banyana, led by head coach Desiree Ellis, is eagerly anticipating their upcoming fixture against Nigeria in the quest for a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Scheduled for next month, the clash between the reigning African champions and the formidable Super Falcons promises intense competition as both teams vie for Olympic qualification.
The first leg of the encounter will see Banyana Banyana traveling to Nigeria on Friday, April 5, followed by a return match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday, April 9.
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Coach Desiree Ellis emphasized the importance of securing a favorable result in the initial leg, recognizing Nigeria's quality and the challenges they pose.
"In the first leg, getting a good result is paramount to alleviate pressure for the return fixture because Nigeria is a formidable team," Ellis remarked in an interview with SABC Sports.
Ellis stressed the need for concentration throughout the entire duration of the match, highlighting the consequences of lapses in focus against a skilled opponent like Nigeria.
"We cannot afford to be complacent. Any moment of lapse, and we risk conceding. Our focus is on capitalizing on our chances and minimizing defensive errors," Ellis emphasized.
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Banyana Banyana aims to capitalize on their opportunities and maintain defensive solidity to secure their ticket to the Olympic Games in Paris.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun