Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, said the team lost several scoring chances in spite of the lone goal victory over Banyana Banyana of South Africa on Friday in Abuja.
Waldrum made these remarks following the first leg of the final round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers against South Africa at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. He lamented that despite defensive dominance, the Super Falcons were unable to capitalize on multiple chances to score.
The decisive goal came from a well-taken penalty by Captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the 42nd minute of the game. However, Waldrum stressed the need for the team to convert more scoring opportunities in future matches.
Nigeria will now prepare for the return leg in South Africa on Tuesday, aiming to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics after a 16-year absence.
“I thought we were a bit unfortunate not to have at least two or three goals victory tonight but I think the team played well.
“I thought we were good defensively considering we had some new players at the back, as we missed players like Ashleigh Plumptre and Tosin Demehim.
“I think the back four stood very strong. I can only remember two good opportunities that they (South Africa) had.
“Overall, I thought we could have controlled the game well. Try to finish up with the opportunities we had.
“But the bottom line is, we have one game left, and we have to get the result,” Waldrum said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) notes that there is still much at stake for Tuesday’s return leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, as the Falcons hold only a one-goal advantage in the fixture.
Banyana Banyana will return to Johannesburg on Saturday morning, while the Super Falcons are scheduled to depart from Lagos on Sunday night.