(file) Photo: Kirk Corrie
The Oceania Football Confederation (OF) confirmed that the eight teams, including hosts Samoa, will battle for the lone Oceania spot for the Paris Olympics women's football competition from 7-19 February.
Teams have been drawn into two pools, with Group A will including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and American Samoa, while Group B will have 2020 Summer Olympic Games representative New Zealand, Tonga, hosts Samoa and Vanuatu.
The draw was conducted at the OFC headquarters in Auckland by OFC competitions director Chris Kemp, who was joined by former Football Ferns captain Maia Jackman.
Jackman said it was a huge thrill to have the opportunity to qualify your country for the Olympic Games.
"Absolutely, the Olympics is such a dream," she said.
"A goal that many kids have, a lot don't know how. But here we have a vehicle for some of these players to prepare for and go to an Olympic Games."
Jackman felt it would be a huge opportunity for host nation Samoa to test themselves against Oceania powerhouse New Zealand in Group B.
"It's a big challenge when New Zealand is in your group," she said.
"But there are more resources going into Oceania Football and to be at home, Samoa will have that 12th woman cheering them on.
"It will be a challenge but one that I am sure they will definitely rise to."
- OFC
