The Nigerian Super Falcons🇳🇬—the nation’s female football team—lost narrowly 1-0 to their Brazilian🇧🇷 counterparts in their opening match at the 2024 Olympic Games🇷⚽🇷⚽ in Paris.
The match’s only goal came from Gabby Nunes in the 37th minute, who broke the offside trap to deliver a powerful shot that found the net.
Throughout the game, the Falcons matched Brazil’s intensity and even had opportunities to take the lead.
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Spearheaded by the legendary Marta, Brazil got out to a fast start and applied pressure on the Nigerian defense early. Although they had some nervous moments, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Oluwatosin Demehin could hold off Brazil at first.
Captain Raseedat Ajibade stood out for Nigeria. In the sixth minute, she displayed her talent with a stunning run, and in the fifteenth, she gave Chinwendu Ihezuo a wonderful opportunity.
Despite their best attempts, Nigeria could not convert their opportunities because Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena Leite made vital saves.
Due to the game’s physical nature, Tamires had to leave the field in the 36th minute. Thanks to Marta, Brazil believed they had taken the lead, but Nunes scored the game-winning goal before her attempt was disregarded.
Jennifer Echegini gave Nigeria a chance to tie the score right before halftime, but her attempt went wide.
The Falcons made multiple alterations to strengthen their offense as they pursued an equalizer in the second half. Ajibade continued to pose a threat, and new members Esther Okoronkwo, Uchenna Kanu, and Ifeoma Onumonu were brought in to provide new life.
Even with Nigeria’s relentless efforts and long-range efforts from Abiodun and Ucheibe, Brazil maintained its lead. However, Brazilian goalie Leite’s vital stop in the 88th minute and her subsequent treatment halted Nigeria’s momentum. The Falcons could not equalize in the allotted six minutes of extra time.
What Next?
Nigeria is returning to the Olympic games after a 16-year hiatus. The Super Falcons’ last Olympic games were in Beijing 2008.
The Nigerian side is in a tough Group C with Brazil, Spain and Japan. The next match against Spain on Sunday July 28 (18.00hrs) will be crucial in determining if they will enter the next stage or take the next flight back home.
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