As the Super Falcons prepare for their all-important clash with Banyana Banyana of South Africa for a place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a lot will be at stake beyond just the qualification ticket.
Nigeria and South Africa are powerhouses in African Women's football, and this latest double-header will be another chapter in their long-standing rivalry unveiled for both teams.
South Africa have been on the rise recently and have definitely closed the gap on Nigeria, who for decades were the undisputed number 1 women's team in Africa.
On the other hand, Nigeria have won nine out of the 12 contested Women's Africa Cup of Nations titles, while South Africa emerged victorious the last two times the teams met.
Banyana Banyana are also the reigning African Champions, having edged a 2-1 win over the Super Falcons on their way to lifting the title in Morocco two years ago.
As the two teams prepare for the Olympic qualifiers, here are three memorable encounters between them over the years:
September 21, 2021, Lagos, Nigeria
The setting was the final of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament hosted by Nigeria at the newly refurbished Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
It was a fitting game to end a fantastic tournament, but it turned out to be a day to forget for the Super Falcons as they suffered their heaviest and first defeat on home soil. Banyana Banyana ran away as 4-2 winners on the day.
South Africa emerged victorious in the Aisha Buhari Cup final, defeating Nigeria 4-2 at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium on Tuesday.
Banyana Banyana wasted no time, taking the lead within the first five minutes thanks to an own goal by Michelle Alozie.
Their dominance continued with a penalty kick converted by Linda Motlhalo, widening the gap to 2-0. While Nigeria threatened with Desire Oparanozie converting Asisat Oshoala's effort in the 20th minute, the goal was disallowed for offside.
Capitalizing on Nigeria's aggressive push forward, Banyana Banyana's Gabriella Salgado struck the Falcons before the half ended, leaving the score at a convincing 3-0 for the South Africans at half-time.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Nigeria brought on a substitute, Vivian Ikechukwu, who netted a goal within minutes, igniting a comeback attempt.
Ikechukwu's second goal further narrowed the deficit to 3-2. A powerful 32-yard shot from Glory Ogbonna almost equalized, but the South African goalkeeper denied her attempt.
However, Banyana Banyana secured the win from the penalty spot. Makhabane Mamello stepped up and converted the penalty, sealing the final score at 4-2 in their favor.
It was a day to forget for Nigeria.
December 1, 2018, Accra, Ghana
Another final and another clash between the Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana.
This time, it was the final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Cameroon. Nigeria were looking to extend their title wins to nine while South Africa were on the verge of a first-ever win, but the Super Falcons prevailed at the end.
Nothing could separate both sides at the end of the game even though Nigeria missed a couple of clear-cut chances.
It ended 0-0 after extra time, and penalties were used to determine the champions.
Nigeria won 4-3 on penalties as Lebogang Ramalepe and Linda Motlhalo of South Africa missed their kicks, handing the Super Falcons a ninth African title.
December 18, 2002, Warri, Nigeria
This game turned out to be one that Banyana Banyana would want to erase from history as they were absolutely annihilated by a dominant Super Falcons side.
South Africa emerged on top from a different group that had Cameroon, Angola, and Zimbabwe, setting up a semi-final clash with Nigeria. The Super Falcons emerged as comfortable 5-0 winners.
Stella Mbachu bagged a brace in that one, while Olaitan Yusuf, Ifeanyi Chiejine, and Perpetua Nkwocha all found the net to see off Banyana Banyana at the Warri Township Stadium.
Unfortunately, South Africa also lost the third-place game 3-0 to Cameroon, leaving them outside the podium places.
As the two teams prepare for this month's double-header, past games will definitely play on their minds as both sides seek to dominate each other with the added incentive of a place at the Women's football event at this summer's Olympics.
