By Seyi Babalola
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored the decisive goal as Nigeria claimed a slim 1-0 win over South Africa in the first leg of their 2024 Olympic Games final qualifying round tie in Abuja on Friday night.
The hosts created better chances in the early stages but failed to put any into the net.
Chiwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu were lively in Nigeria’s attack, causing problems for the South African defence.
The Super Falcons were awarded a penalty four minutes before the break when Ihezuo was brought down inside the box by Noko Matlou.
Ajibade sent Swart the wrong way to hand the home team the lead going into the break.
The Super Falcons came close to doubling their lead in the 52nd minute but Swart made a brilliant save to prevent the ball from going into the net.
Jermaine Seoposenwe had a shot saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie four minutes later.
Nnadozie had to be at her best again on the hour mark to deny the visitors.
The Super Falcons created more chances afterwards but were denied by Swart.
The two teams will clash in the second leg in Pretoria next Tuesday.
