Paris 2024: Eighteen Falcons in camp, Waldrum sure of victory as Banyana star says Abuja hot weather will not stop them

Four more players have arrived at the Super Falcons camp in Abuja ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games qualifier against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

The quartet are Halimat Ayinde, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne, and Rinsola Babajide.

Their arrival increased the number of players in camp to 18.

Four more players are still being expected in camp.

The new arrivals are expected to train with the rest of the team later on Wednesday

The Super Falcons had their first training session ahead of the game at the practice pitch of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday night.

FULL LIST

Jiwuaku Linda, Okeke Chidinma, Oladipo Shukurat, Nnadozie Chiamaka, Ohale Osinachi, Toni Payne, Kanu Uchenna, Monday Gift, Abiodun Deborah, Echegini Jennifer, Ucheibe Christy, Rasheedat Ajibade, Tochukwu Oluehi, Jumoke Alani, Halimatu Ayinde, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne, Rinsola Babajide

Meanwhile, Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has vowed his team will secure a place at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Perennial rivals Banyana Banyana of South Africa are standing between the Super Falcons and a place in Paris 2024.

Waldrum is optimistic his team will surmount the hurdle ahead of them.

“This team is a generational team, no disrespect to the other teams, the talent and the depth that is coming into the team, which we saw in Australia (FIFA Women’s World Cup) against some of the best teams around the world,” Waldrum told NFF TV.

“We can continue to move on and be a major player on the world stage.

“This team is special and we can be one of the best teams in the world.”

The first leg will be played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Friday.

The reverse fixture will be held next week in Pretoria.

Elsewhere, South Africa midfielder Nomvula Kgoale has said the Banyana Banyana are unfazed by the tough weather conditions in Abuja.

Desiree Ellis’ side arrived in Nigeria’s capital on Sunday to acclimatize ahead of the first leg of their 2024 Olympic Games qualifier against the Super Falcons.

Kgoale insisted that the African champions are ready for battle despite the challenges ahead of them in Nigeria.

“It’s extremely important to be mentally tough. We know that Nigeria are a very tough opponent to play against…they’ve won Wafcon so many times and they’ve done well at the World Cups as well,” Kgoale told The Sowetan.

“Back at home the air is much thinner and over here it’s much heavier but I’ve played in the United States for almost six years, and I know how to play in this kind of weather… you almost feel like you are breathing heat. The grass is also heavier but I am sure that in two days we would’ve adjusted.”