The Super Falcons of Nigeria were dealt a significant blow ahead of their crucial 2024 Olympic Games final-round qualifying tie against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, as defender Oluwatosin Demehin has been ruled out due to injury sustained during the victorious match against Cameroon at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Demehin, has been a near-ever-present figure in the back four since her debut for the team. Her absence comes at a poor time for the Falcons, leaving a void that will be challenging to fill.

In her absence, the defensive mantle will fall on the shoulders of players like Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Chidinma Okeke, who will be tasked with stepping up to fill the gap left by the former Rivers Angels defender. The task ahead couldn’t be more significant as the Super Falcons prepare to host the Banyana Banyana in the first leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Friday, April 5.

With the reverse fixture scheduled to take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday, April 9, the stakes are high for both teams. The overall winners of the tie will secure a coveted berth at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, adding to the pressure of the encounter.

As the Super Falcons regroup and prepare to face the challenges ahead, they will undoubtedly draw inspiration from their resilience and determination to overcome adversity. While Demehin’s absence will be felt, the team will rally together in pursuit of their Olympic dreams, fueled by the passion and pride that defines Nigerian football.

Nigeria will undoubtedly be looking to overcome this setback and secure their place in the Olympics. The experience of Ohale and Plumptre, coupled with Okeke’s recent resurgence, offers hope that the team can weather this storm. The coming days will be a test of the Super Falcons’ depth and resilience.