The women’s national team in Nigeria, the Super Falcons, narrowly lost 1-0 to Brazil in their first game on Thursday night at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in Bordeaux, France. The match marked their anticipated comeback to Olympic football following a 16-year hiatus. However, despite controlling the game’s initial phase, their Paris Games journey commenced disappointingly with a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their Group C opener.
In the 36th minute, the veteran Brazil captain Marta struck past the Nigerian goalkeeper. Nevertheless, VAR disallowed the goal for an offside detected during the play’s progression. Shortly after, Brazil seized the opportunity as Gabi Nunes fired a strong shot from beyond the penalty area, overcoming Nnadozie and securing a 1-0 advantage.
In the second half, Nigeria strived for a goal to level the score, with both Christy Ucheibe and Rasheedat Ajibade crafting chances. Ucheibe faced resistance from the Brazilian defence, while Ajibade’s endeavours fell short of the precision required to break through the Brazilian goal, ending the match with a loss to Brazil.
Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade was a standout for Nigeria; youngster Deborah Abiodun shone like a veteran; goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Oluwatosin Demehin faced some nervousness. Still, they managed to keep Brazil at bay, but star forward Asisat Oshoala was shockingly benched—a move many believe contributed to the loss.
Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum acknowledged the problem by commenting on the loss to ESPN.
“Our ability to be more clinical with our chances is going to be vital. We have to do a better job [of that] because you’re not going to get 10–12 shots on these teams. You’re going to get two or three chances, decent chances probably on the day, and you’ve got to be good enough to put one in and make sure defensively to keep them from putting goals.”
On Sunday, the Super Falcons will play against Spain, who defeated Japan 2-1 in their opening encounter.
