The Nigeria Football Federation has narrated the hostile treatment of the South African Football Association after the Super Falcons pipped Banyana Banyana to the Paris 2024 Olympics ticket on Tuesday.
Nigeria defeated South Africa 1-0 on aggregate despite settling for a goalless draw in Pretoria and they advanced to the Olympics stage for the first time since 2008.
The result did not go down well with the authorities in South Africa but the timely intervention of personality in the Nigeria High Commission guided Randy Waldrum’s team safely out of the country.
NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David who was with the team in Pretoria, said South African authorities left the team without security detail and logistics immediately after the goalless draw at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Ruth said: “SAFA officials made it clear that we were thenceforth on our own. They said the bus would not move us to anywhere again, that their responsibilties ended with the final whistle. They only took us back to the hotel, and no longer detailed security for the delegation.
“We must commend Charge d’Affaires in the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Mr. Alexander Tope Ajayi for all his efforts. He made the team feel comfortable and at home right from our arrival, organised dinner for the team and mobilised and provided transport for Nigerians based in Pretoria to come to the stadium and support the team. He also organised transport and saw the team off to the airport on departure.”
