Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart expresses confidence in her team’s prospects, highlighting the advantage of playing the first leg on Nigerian turf.
With the final battle for Olympic qualification looming, Swart emphasizes the strategic benefit of starting the double confrontation away from home.
“It’s always better to play away first. So I think we also have an advantage against Nigeria. Playing away first takes the pressure off,” remarked the 29-year-old shot-stopper.
Despite acknowledging Nigeria’s formidable reputation, Swart remains undeterred, recognizing the challenge posed by the passionate Nigerian football fanbase.
“It will be difficult. The Nigerians are very popular, they fill the stadiums when they play at home, but we are ready to take on the challenge and face the hostility,” Swart affirmed.
The highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and South Africa is slated for April 1 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. GMT.
This pivotal encounter marks the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2024 Olympics, with the return match scheduled for April 9 on South African soil.
As the stage is set for a showdown between two African football powerhouses, Swart’s optimism adds a layer of anticipation to the upcoming fixtures, underscoring the determination of the Banyana Banyana to secure their place on the Olympic stage.
