South Africa head coach, Desiree Ellis is eyeing a positive result as her team have the uphill task to fight for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ticket against Nigeria.

A 1-0 first-leg result in Abuja sees Nigeria take an early advantage in the contest, but Ellis and her Banyana Banyana side will be determined to respond when the sides meet in Pretoria for the return leg.

Ellis, mindful of Nigeria’s formidable threat, has discussed the significance of securing a good result in Abuja, to ease the pressure going into the second leg.

“It’s like you are in the last round of a boxing match, a 12-round fight, where the winner succeeds and the loser goes home,” Ellis remarked, highlighting the high stakes involved in the encounter.

Reflecting on South Africa’s recent achievements, including their impressive performance in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their journey to the last 16 of the World Cup, Ellis underscores the significance of reachind Paris 2024.

“Having missed out on the Olympics in 2020, won the Wafcon and gone to the last 16 of the World Cup, this is one of the boxes as a group we haven’t ticked.”

With both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the stage is set for an intense showdown as South Africa and Nigeria renew their rivalry on the football pitch.