Nigeria has grabbed an advantage as they beat Banyana 1-0 in the last round of the Olympic Games CAF zone qualifier in Abuja on Friday.  

Ajibade Busayo scored the only goal of the game, converting a penalty two minutes before half-time at MKO Abiola Stadium.  

The second leg will take place at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday, where coach Desiree Ellis has urged all the South Africans to come out in numbers to support her girls as they look to book their place in the Olympic Games that will be held in Paris in July. 

Banyana Banyana coach Ellis brought back captain Refiloe Jane for the first time since she suffered an injury during the FIFA Women’s World Cup group stages in New Zealand and Australia.  

Bambanani Mbane, who just like Jane suffered an injury in the World Cup, was on the bench, with Thembi Kgatlana leading the line at the top.   

However, Banyana was on the back foot before half-time, trailing 1-0 after veteran defender Noko Matlou was at fault.

Banyana tried all they could to get back into the game, but they couldn’t find the equalizer. 

It is all to play for them in the second leg against the Super Falcons in the winner-takes-all where they will be looking to avenge the score and qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time since 2016. Nigeria’s women’s national team has not qualified for the Olympic Games since 2008.