Friday, October 11, 2024
Sport

Nigeria and Zambia women seal final Olympic Games spots – BBC

22views

A first-leg goal by Rasheedat Ajibade (right) was enough for Nigeria to see off South Africa and book their ticket to Paris 2024
Nigeria boss Randy Waldrum has warned his side must prepare professionally to be able to challenge for a medal at the 2024 Olympic Games women's football tournament.
The Super Falcons and Zambia booked their places in Paris as African qualifying culminated on Tuesday.
Nigeria, ranked 36th in the world, will return to the Olympics for the first time since 2008.
"Now my plea and challenge is to the Minister of Sport and to the federation – to help us prepare properly," Waldrum said.
The West Africans qualified after securing a goalless draw away against South Africa in Pretoria, progressing 1-0 on aggregate thanks to Rasheedat Ajibade's winner in the first leg.
The Super Falcons will face World Cup holders Spain, former world champions Japan and Brazil in Group C in Paris.
"We need a camp in Europe to prepare for the group that we have – we need proper training, we need proper transportation," Waldrum, 67, added.
"We need to do things right because these women deserve this opportunity to represent our country of Nigeria in the best possible way."
Eleven-time continental champions Nigeria will be making their fourth appearance at the Olympics, with their best previous result a quarter-final exit in Athens in 2004.
The Super Falcons reached the last 16 at the Women's World Cup last year, losing to eventual runners-up England on penalties.
"With this field being small in the Olympics, every team is a top team," American Waldrum added.
"And if you look at our group, again – like the World Cup – it's the group of death, so to speak.
"Sixteen years without qualifying is a long time and I am extremely proud of the girls. There is work to be done when it comes to our attack, and we will improve before heading to France."
Meanwhile, Zambia overturned a first-leg deficit in Morocco to secure back-to-back qualifications for the Olympics.
Trailing 2-1 on aggregate, captain Barbra Banda levelled the tie in the 38th minute to send the match at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat to extra time.
And the Orlando Pride striker netted the winner from the penalty spot in the 105th minute to give the Copper Queens a 3-2 win overall.
The Zambians, ranked 65th in the world, will be in a tough Group B in Paris along with four-time Olympic champions the United States, 2016 winners Germany and World Cup semi-finalists Australia.
Zambia suffered a group-stage exit at the 2020 Games in Tokyo, although Banda became the first woman to score successive hat-tricks at a single Olympics.
The women's football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games begins on 25 July, a day before the opening ceremony in Paris, with the final on 10 August.
'Shocked and shaking' Scheffler warmed up by 'stretching in a jail cell'
Fury shoves Usyk at weigh-in for super-fight
Usyk and Fury separated at Riyadh weigh-in
Are you ready to rock through time?
Watch the brand new trailer for the new series of Doctor Who
A terrifying adventure in the far future
Can the Doctor and Ruby save a baby farm run by babies from the terrifying bogeyman?
Go behind the scenes…
Join Steffan Powell as he gets the keys to the TARDIS and exclusive access to the Whoniverse
Unmissable aftershow analysis
Join Nadie Jae and Shabaz Ali in the newly regenerated Official Doctor Who Podcast
Tyson Fury: The good, the bad, the ugly, the undisputed?
'He would destroy everyone' – Silva on Mbappe at Monaco. Video
From New York to Paris – how breaking made it to the Olympics
Watch: Fury refuses face-off with Usyk Video
I've fallen back in love with javelin – Arnold
At home with Arteta – childhood, career and family
Usyk v Fury: History of the heavyweight beef. Video
Players share tales of historic Man Utd season
I lost sight of what I love about BMX – Worthington
Inside Usyk's heavyweight transformation & biggest weakness
'He's almost bigger than the club' – Can Liverpool thrive after Klopp? Video
Black, white and shades of grey – what's behind sprint's race divide?
I want to enjoy this week as much as possible – Hayes
'Form and history align for McIlroy to end major drought'
Who could form England's new-look pace attack?
© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

source

Leave a Response