- Super Falcons were edged out by the formidable Canarinhas in the opening game
- There were standout performances from the captain Raseedat Ajibade and defender Chiamaka Nnadozie
- Nigeria's women's team will face Spain next on Sunday
The Olympics tournament has kicked off for Nigeria in Paris as the Super Falcons team played their first soccer game. The Nigerian women's football team locked horns with the Brazilian Canarinhas in a thrilling encounter, but it was not to be for the Super Falcons. The two-time silver medalist secured a goal through Gabi Nunes, and that was enough to secure a victory.
Although Nigeria lost against Brazil, their second loss against them in the tournament after the 2008 3-1 defeat, there are important takeaways from the match as Nigeria seeks to make an impression in Paris.
5 takeaways from Super Falcons' defeat against Brazil
1. After a 16-year break, Nigeria is back at the Olympics
Nigeria’s return to the Olympics after 16 years was met with great resistance as the women’s team fell to a narrow 1-0 loss against the Canarinhas. The former’s last outing at the Olympics was during the Beijing 2008 Olympics, where the men’s team clinched two silver medals in the football tournament.
2. It was a difficult group draw, but the Falcons remain optimistic
After first-round exits at the Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Olympics, the Super Falcons are met with another daunting task ahead of their campaign in Paris. The women’s football group C includes nations like Brazil, Spain, and Japan. Rasheedat Ajibade’s youthful women's team was tested last night during their outing. Gabby Nunes scored for Brazil in the 37th minute, assisted by the iconic Marta, which was the latter side's only goal as the Falcons remained relentless in their defensive efforts.
3. More defensive cover is needed on the flank
Randy Waldrum’s side had Oluwatosin Demehin and Osinachi Ohale to thank in the defensive department yesterday. The pair showed relentless efforts to ensure goals were not raked up in yesterday’s unfortunate loss against Brazil. However, coach Randy has some work to do with the wing-back options if his side are to yield a meaningful result against Spain, the reigning world champions, in their next match. Michelle Alozie, right back and Chidinma Okeke, left back were not as great as expected and failed to give reliable cover to Jennifer Echegini, left wing and Rasheedat Ajibade, right wing who were brilliant on the attacking flanks.
The Falcons still can’t overcome Brazil’s magic.
4. Show of brilliance in the attacking department despite loss
Despite Jennifer Echegini and Rasheedat Ajibade’s several dangerous crosses into the Brazilian box, Chinwendu Ihezuo could not handle the experience of the duo on the flank as she ended the match with a rating of 5. Jennifer showed exceptional skills on the left side but was still of no match to the Brazilian defence, she had a rating of 6 at the end of the match. Atletico Madrid player of the season, Rasheedat Ajibade, gave the Brazilian defence a lot of things to worry about as the pacy winger kept up with dangerous crosses throughout the match. She was rated a 7 out of 10 in the thrilling encounter.
5. Decisive impact of Chiamaka Nnadozie
The Super Falcons goalkeeper was brilliant against the Brazilian team despite Nunes's outstanding close shot into her net in the 36th minute. The Paris FC shot-stopper was nonetheless proactive again and still managed to save four brilliant shots before the game ended, 1-0. She has started the tournament with a decent performance against Brazil and all eyes will be on her as fans look forward to her display against Spain next Sunday.
What's next for Nigeria's Super Falcons?
The Super Falcons will have to shake off the defeat against Brazil and try again against the Women's World Cup holders, Spain, on Sunday, July 28. It promises to be another rousing encounter, as Nigeria will be desperate to get something out of the match.
Paris Olympics 2024: Snoop Dogg prepares to light up the torch
Previously, TheRadar reported that the legendary American rapper and actor would participate in a historic tradition at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Saint-Denis town’s Mayor, Mattieu Hanoton, confirmed in a tweet that the 52-year-old artiste would carry the torch through the neighbourhood. Saint-Denis is also the last stop of the Olympic torch before it reaches the Eiffel Tower.
