Nigeria v South Africa: Olympic Games qualifier will be a 'battle', says Desiree Ellis

South Africa's women are reigning African champions - but are 15 places below Nigeria in the world rankingsSouth Africa coach Desiree Ellis has warned a "tough battle" awaits when her side face Nigeria in a heavyweight match in the final round of qualifiers for the women's football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Both countries reached the last 16 of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year, and Nigeria, at 36th in the world, are ranked 15 places above South Africa. The winners of the tie will take the last spot in Group C in Paris, alongside Spain, Japan and Brazil. Ellis' side played both first legs away from home, drawing 1-1 against DR Congo and winning 3-0 against Tanzania, and believes it will be crucial to record another positive result in Nigeria."In February, against Tanzania I thought we were excellent away, which allowed us to make a couple of changes .

"The people urged us to bring the games close to them and we have done that. Let us not be outnumbered in the stands.Returning stars - and experienceMidfielder Refiloe Jane is back in the Banyana Banyana squad for the first time since sustaining an injury at the Women's World Cup last year "We are without Andile, but I'm happy that we have Mbane, Refiloe Jane, Bongeka Gamede and Sibulele Holweni back."Experience is going to help in this situation because it might be a hostile environment in Nigeria."

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