The Super Falcons of Nigeria lost to Brazil in their first Group C game of the Paris 2024 Olympic Opener on Thursday evening.
Nigeria’s return to Olympic football after a 16-year absence saw the Super Falcons concede a wonderful strike scored by Gabi Nunes in the 37th minute. The goal ensured that the South American team defeated the Nine-time African Champions at the Bordeaux Stadium in France.
Despite a promising start by Randy Waldrum’s team, including a missed opportunity by Chiwendu Ihezuo, Nigeria struggled to maintain their momentum. The Super Falcons created three significant chances in quick succession, with Rasheedat Ajibade leading one of the attacks. Ajibade, Nigeria’s standout player, beat her marker and crossed to Ihezuo, whose header was saved by Brazil’s goalkeeper.
Brazil soon took control of the game, extending their unbeaten streak against Nigeria to four matches. The 37th-minute goal by Gabriela Nunes Da Silva proved to be the match-winner, echoing Nigeria’s previous Olympic encounter with Brazil in Beijing 2008, where the Super Falcons also suffered a defeat.
This challenging start leaves Nigeria in a tough spot in Group C, which includes reigning world champions, Spain and Asian powerhouse, Japan. Spain topped Group C at the end of Matchday 1 after they defeated Japan 2-1.
Randy Waldrum’s squad will need to regroup quickly and secure positive results in their upcoming games against Japan and Spain to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive.
