Bayana Bayana player Thembi Christina Kgatlana remains upbeat Nigeria will not clinch 2024 Olympics ticket; npflupdates.com reports.
Kgatlana was in the South Africa squad that lost 1-0 to Nigeria’s Super Falcons last Friday in Abuja. But the prolific player remains upbeat there’s no way they can’t overturn the defeat.
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Speaking profound confidence after the first-leg play-off inside Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Kgatlana said they will go all out for a win in the second leg in Pretoria on Tuesday. And of course going ahead to seal qualification for the women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
What Thembi Kgatlana said about Super Falcons visit to South Africa
“No, we just didn’t move the ball around as quickly as we wanted to in the first leg,” Kgatlana said.
“It’s always been a competition between Nigeria and South Africa, so it’s not pressure.
“I think it couldn’t have been a better final to qualify for the Olympics.
The 27-year-old added, “We’ve been preparing, and there’s still one more leg. And I know that in the Olympic qualifiers, there’s no away goal rule.So right now, it’s 1-0 for Nigeria, and they still have to come to South Africa. So I think at the end, the end result is on Tuesday.”
In another story Nigeria’s Minister for Sports Development Senator John Enoh urges the Super Falcons to go all out and qualify for the Olympics.
According to Enoh, the nine-time African champions have show remarkable strength; and can break the 16-year-old Olympics jinx.
“The Super Falcons have shown remarkable strength and prowess throughout their journey, and now is the time for them to rise and conquer.
“We believe in their ability to overcome any challenge and make Nigeria proud,” he said in a statement.
“Breaking the 16-year Olympic jinx is not just a goal; it will be a perfect microcosm of the dedication and abilities of our athletes.
“I urge the Super Falcons to play with passion, determination, and unity. Together, we can rewrite history and inspire generations to come.
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“As they step onto the pitch in South Africa, the Super Falcons carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians.
“We stand with them every step of the way, providing the support they need to succeed,” Enoh said.
