South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, Thami Mseleku, has thrown his weight behind Banyana Banyana to beat the Super Falcons of Nigeria in Friday’s Paris 2024 Olympic qualifier at MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Mseleku showed his support for the South Africans in his welcome address after their arrival for the clash.
Banyana Banyana arrived Abuja on Sunday, 31 April and had their first official training session on Monday afternoon.
The team was welcomed by the South African Embassy in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the High Commissioner, Lindi Mnimela, promised the players of their full support.
“On behalf of High Commissioner Thami Mseleku, we are here to welcome you. He is the one who sent us here to give you a warm welcome,” Mnimela said.
“We have been waiting for the team for hours, patiently so because we were looking forward to having this privilege and honour of seeing each and every of you.
“I know you are all tired from the trip and we just wanted to wish you the best for the game on Friday. We are looking forward to it with our vuvuzelas ready and we have no doubt that you are going to win this.”
The return leg is billed for Tuesday, 9 April in Pretoria.
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will be without Ashleigh Plumptre due to injury.
The Saudi Arabia-based player has been replaced by Jumoke Alani.
As at Monday, Rasheedat Ajibade, Tochukwu Oluehi and Alani have arrived Abuja for the qualifiers.
