The Super Falcons of Nigeria aim to end their two consecutive defeats in the women’s football event at the 2024 Paris Olympics as they face Japan in their final Group C game at the Stade de La Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau on Wednesday.
Both Nigeria and Japan are targeting a place in the Olympic quarter-finals, and a win for either side would significantly boost their campaign. After two rounds of matches, the Falcons are at the bottom of their group, following back-to-back defeats against Brazil and Spain. Meanwhile, Japan sits in second place in Group C with three points.
Nigeria has had a disappointing start to their first Olympic campaign since 2008, narrowly losing both of their matches in France. The Falcons lost 1-0 to Brazil in their first game. In their second game against reigning champions Spain, they seemed set to earn a hard-fought point until Barcelona player Alexia Putellas scored a late goal, securing all three points for Spain.
Nigeria’s inability to score in three consecutive internationals is concerning, and they must rectify this if they hope to progress to the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2004 Olympics.
Despite being three points behind Brazil and Japan, a win would give Nigeria a chance to secure second place or one of the best third-placed spots. The Falcons might find inspiration from their narrow 1-0 win over Japan at the 2004 Olympics in Greece.
Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade expressed the team’s determination, saying, “Victory over Japan is possible. We will work hard to accomplish that. The Super Falcons have done it before, and we can do it again.”
Japan began their bid to win their first Olympic medal since London 2012 with a narrow 2-1 defeat to world champions Spain. They then staged a dramatic comeback against Brazil, with Saki Kumagai netting a 92nd-minute penalty and substitute Momoko Tanikawa scoring a long-range winner, securing a 2-1 victory.
As a result, Japan moved into second place, above Brazil on goals scored, three points ahead of Nigeria and three points behind Spain. Japan hopes to avoid their first group-stage exit since 1996, having featured in the knockout rounds in their last four Olympic appearances.
Falcons coach Randy Waldrum might stick with the same side that produced a strong performance in the narrow defeat to Spain. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will be shielded by a back four of Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Chidinma Okeke. Esther Okoronkwo is set to lead the Falcons’ attack.
Japan, buoyed by their late comeback against Brazil, will carry significant momentum into Wednesday’s contest. However, the Falcons will be motivated by the fact that a win could keep them in the tournament.
