Nigeria's women's national football team, the Super Falcons, edged out South Africa 1-0 in the first leg of their final Olympic qualifying match.
The crucial goal came from a penalty converted by Rasheedat Ajibade just before halftime at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Despite missing key players due to injury, the Falcons dominated possession and created chances.
Uchenna Kanu was a constant threat, but South Africa's goalkeeper Kaylin Swart kept them in the game.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Noko Matlou fouled Chiwendu Ihezuo in the penalty area. Ajibade stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty home.
Nigeria held strong in the second half to secure a vital lead heading into the return leg on April 9th in Pretoria.
The winner of this two-legged tie will represent Africa at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, alongside the winner of the matchup between Zambia and Morocco.
This victory brings the Super Falcons closer to their first Olympic appearance since 2008.
They'll aim to defend their lead and secure their spot in Paris when they travel to South Africa for the second leg.
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