Falcons stars Kanu, Jiwuaku confident ahead Pretoria battle

Super Falcons players, Uchenna Kanu and Linda Jiwuaku, say the team is in high spirits heading into Tuesday’s (today) Paris 2024 Olympics qualifier second leg in Pretoria, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Randy Waldrum’s side head into the encounter with a slender 1-0 win courtesy of Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty goal in the first leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking with The PUNCH in anticipation of the mouth-watering clash, Kanu said the Falcons were prepared for the task.

“We are all positive and united, as always. Team spirit is very high and we look forward to a victorious outing,” she said.

“It’s going to be tough over there but I think we are prepared for whatever happens. We know the enormous task at stake and we are ready to make Nigerians proud by picking the Olympic ticket.

“Our aim is to go there, stay focused and get the job done.”

Goalkeeper Jiwuaku added, “Everyone is ready for the second leg in South Africa and the fire is still on. We are not letting our guard down for the game.”

While Nigeria is looking to make a return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence, having last featured in the women’s football event at the 2008 edition in Beijing, the South Africans are eager to put behind them the disappointment of missing out on the 2020 edition in Tokyo.