- The Super Falcons can still move to the next round even after initial losses
- A ruthless win over Japan is very crucial
- Randy Waldrum’s reaction after the loss to Spain
Nigeria’s Football Women's National Team started their Olympics campaign on the wrong foot, losing to South American football titans Brazil in an intense opener four days ago. Reigning world champions Spain heaped more misery on the African giants Nigeria in the second match of the tournament as the Super Falcons struggled in front of goal. The African side, however, remains positive and looks forward to their first win in 20 years since the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics as they face Japan’s Nadeshiko.
Can Nigeria's women's team turn out to be the tournament’s underdogs?
As the tournament progresses, Nigeria’s Women’s National Team (WNT) is emerging as a potential underdog story if only they are to secure a meaningful result against the Asian side, Japan.
Historically, Nigeria’s WNT has consistently ruled the African women's football world with great dominance having been crowned champions of the Women's African Cup of Nations eleven times, there is absolutely no doubt that the Nigerian team is the most successful in the African continent. In terms of capability, this women’s team is more than capable; they only need to be more spirited in their performance and more clinical in terms of their opportunities.
The Super Falcons team has often shown a capacity to rise to the occasion, especially against African teams. It is only time for them to prove to their counterparts on the global level that they are capable of forcing a positive result. The ball is now in the Super Falcons' court to pull surprise results going forward in the tournament but, more importantly, against Japan on Wednesday.
A spirited performance over Japan is crucial
Wednesday’s match against Japan will represent a decisive moment for the Super Falcons, who are eager to prove their mettle on the global stage. The Nigerian women national team will undoubtedly go into the match under overwhelming pressure, but this is a hurdle that the African champions must overcome to keep themselves in the prestigious tournament.
Over the last two games, Chimaka Nnadozie, the Paris FC goalie, has been outstanding with her composure and important saves. She is certainly a player one can count on to make a difference. Conversely, Bay FC and Atletico FC forwards Asisat Oshoala and Ajibade Rasheedat have been disappointing so far in the last two games and will need to step up brilliantly against Japan to secure a positive result.
A win against Japan by at least two goals to nil will mean qualification for the Super Falcons if Spain also gets to beat Brazil in the final group game. This means the Nigerian side will advance by goal difference. Another option is to end up as the best loser or best third-placed team in the tournament.
What the Super Falcons coach had to say after the loss to Spain
Following Nigeria’s recent defeat to Spain, Super Falcons’ coach Randy Waldrum expressed both regret and pride in his post-match comments.
“We had three to four good opportunities today; regrettably, we did not convert them,” Waldrum remarked, highlighting missed chances by key players Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade. Despite these missed opportunities, Waldrum acknowledged Spain's clinical finishing, stating, “Unfortunately, the Spanish took theirs.”
Waldrum remained optimistic about his team’s potential, emphasising, “We’ve shown that we could have gotten something out of those matches. It shows we can play against anybody in the world. So, I am proud of the players.”
Paris Olympics 2024: Nigeria's female basketball team stuns Australia in historic win
Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria's female basketball team secured a historic victory against Australia, with a score of 75-62 in a thrilling match at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Nigerian team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, overcoming the highly favoured Australian side.
The victory was underpinned by standout performances, especially from Ezinne Kalu, who scored 19 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
