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The Super Falcons of Nigeria suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their opening game at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Brazilian side, who had suffered an early exit at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup last year came into the game with 10 wins out of 15 matches played. In the early stage of the game, the Brazilians struggled as Rashidat Ajibade tormented them.
However, a 37th minutes strike by Gabi Nunes gave the two-time Olympic silver medalists the winning edge. In the second half, Nigeria surged to regain control of the match, but the Brazilians fought to keep them at bay.
Ajibade, who led the Super Falcons as the Nigerian flag was flown at the tournament for the first time in 16 years, made several attempts to score, but balls rarely threatened the Brazilian defense.
Using her speed and guile, Ajibade made a 7th minute attempt that was blocked, and in the 16th minute, she initiated a double-barreled attack on the Brazilian goalkeeper, Lorena. Moments later, Christy Ucheibe forced Lorena into another sharp save.
From the Brazilians, six-time women’s World Footballer of the Year thought she had given Brazil the lead in the 36th minute, but her strike was ruled offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Randy Waldrum, the Falcon’s head coach, left former Barcelona Femeni Striker, Asisat Oshoala on the bench and named Chinwendu Ihezuo the team’s focal point in attack.
Nigeria’s next match is against the world champions, Spain. The match is scheduled for July 28th, before the team faces Japan on July 31st.
In the other Group C match, Spain defeated Japan 2-1, while the United States defeated Zambia 3-0 in Group B. In Group A, France defeated Colombia 3-0.
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