July 29, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Super Falcons faced a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, falling to Brazil in a closely contested 1-0 match. This result, though disappointing, was somewhat expected, given Nigeria’s historical struggles against Brazil and their overall Olympic performance record.
Nigeria’s women’s football team has historically found it challenging to make a significant impact at the Olympics. Since their debut at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the Super Falcons have struggled to advance beyond the group stages, with their best performance being a quarter-final finish in 2004. However, they failed to qualify for the Olympics from 2012 to 2020, highlighting a period of decline and missed opportunities.
The match against Brazil in Paris was always going to be a formidable challenge. Brazil, with a rich footballing tradition and a history of strong performances at international tournaments, has often been a tough opponent for Nigeria. The Super Falcons have struggled to match Brazil’s technical and tactical prowess, often finding themselves on the losing side in previous encounters.
In their opening match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Super Falcons were keen to start strong, but they encountered several issues. Brazil’s only goal came from a well-executed set piece, exposing Nigeria’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Nigerian team struggled to maintain possession and build meaningful attacks, often ceding control of the game to their more experienced opponents.
One of the critical issues was Nigeria’s inability to effectively transition from defence to attack. This problem was compounded by Brazil’s high pressing game, which forced Nigeria into making errors in their half. Moreover, the Super Falcons were unable to capitalise on the few chances they created, a recurring issue that has plagued the team in international competitions.
Brazil emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win. The game took place at Stade de Bordeaux on Thursday evening, with Gabi Nunes scoring the decisive goal. The result puts Brazil at the top of Group B alongside Spain, who beat Japan 2-1 earlier in the day. Both teams now have three points, while Nigeria and Japan are yet to open their accounts. Nigeria’s decision to leave star player Asisat Oshoala on the bench did not pay off, despite a strong first-half performance.
The Nigerian team came close to taking the lead in the 15th minute but Brazil’s goalkeeper Lorena made two impressive saves from Rasheedat Ajibade and Chinwendu Ihezuo. It was Brazil who broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Marta capitalised on poor defending to set up Gabi Nunes, who finished with style.
Spain, the reigning World Cup champions, demonstrated their skill on the Olympic stage in Nantes on Thursday. Japan took an early lead through Aoba Fujino’s free-kick, but Spain’s response was swift. Aitana Bonmati, the current Ballon d’Or holder, equalised midway through the first half with a skilful finish, rounding the Japanese goalkeeper. The Spanish team’s winning goal came in the 74th minute when Mariona Caldentey found the net after a clever exchange with Bonmati.
Spain’s starting lineup featured seven players from their victorious 2023 World Cup final team, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. This blend of experience and talent proved crucial in overcoming a strong Japanese side. The victory places Spain in a strong position in their group. With the tournament format allowing the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams to progress to the quarter-finals, Spain have taken a significant step towards advancing in the competition.
This is the team that the Super Falcons will encounter in their next match, one of the favourites in this tournament. Spain’s comprehensive victory in their opening match demonstrated their quality and depth. Key players like Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso, who are known for their creative play and goal-scoring abilities, pose significant threats that Nigeria must prepare for.
To improve against Spain, the Super Falcons need to tighten their defensive organisation and improve their ball retention. Coach Randy Waldrum will need to emphasise discipline and tactical awareness, ensuring the team remains compact and resilient under pressure. Additionally, the midfield must step up to break down Spain’s play and create opportunities Oshoala, who should be allowed to start and who can be a game-changer on her good day.
Other players, such as Toni Payne and Ajibade will be crucial. Payne, with her experience in European football, brings creativity and vision, while Ajibade’s pace and technical skills can stretch Spain’s defence. The midfield battle will be pivotal, with the likes of Halimatu Ayinde needing to assert control and disrupt Spain’s rhythm.
One tactical adjustment Nigeria could consider is employing a more counter-attacking approach, leveraging their speed on the wings to exploit any gaps left by Spain’s attacking full-backs. This strategy could also involve a more compact defensive setup, aiming to frustrate Spain and force them into mistakes.
Despite the challenges and the tough task ahead, there is room for optimism. The Super Falcons are a young and evolving team, with many players gaining valuable experience in top European leagues. This exposure is crucial for the team’s growth and development on the international stage.
While the loss to Brazil was a setback, it also served as a learning opportunity. The team must now focus on regrouping and executing a well-thought-out game plan against Spain. Success in this match would not only boost their chances of advancing but also signal Nigeria’s growing competitiveness in the international women’s game, especially after their impressive World Cup display.
For now, the Super Falcons’ journey in the 2024 Paris Olympics is far from over. With the right adjustments and a collective effort, they have the potential to surprise their opponents and make a memorable run in the tournament. Nigerian football fans will be watching to see if they can rise to the occasion and exhibit their true potential on the global stage.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
