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By: Johnny Edward
Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, says the nine-time African champions are desperate to end their 15-year wait for an Olympic appearance, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.The Falcons last featured in the women’s football event at the Olympics in Beijing 2008 but failed to qualify for the last three consecutive editions – London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Ajibade, who will lead the Falcons out against Banyana Banyana in the first leg of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament African final qualifying playoff at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Friday believes the nine-time African champions have a score to settle with their South African counterparts.
The Falcons have failed to beat Banyana Banyana in their last three games against South Africa, losing twice and one stalemate — a run of form the Atletico Madrid star is eager to end in the playoffs.
“From the time we played Ethiopia, we have been committed to seeing these qualification series through, “Ajibade told the Nigerian Football Federation Communications Department.
“Our objective has always been to win the slot for the Olympics. Most of us in the team are yet to play at the Olympics and this is a big issue for us. We want to be there in Paris.”
Aside Tochukwu Oluehi, no player in the current Falcons squad has played at the Olympics.
“There are a couple of issues the Super Falcons have to sort out with Banyana Banyana. However, that is not the motivation this time. The motivation is qualifying for the Olympics,” Ajibade said.
As at the time of filing this report, 21 players were in the Falcons’ camp and the team had their first training session in Abuja on Wednesday morning.