Nigeria’s Super Falcons lost 1-0 by Brazil in their opening game on Thursday in Bordeaux at the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s football event.
A 37th-minute strike by Gabi Nunes, following a wonder pass from Marta, ensured all three points for the Brazilians against a Nigerian side that returned to the Games after a 16-year absence.
African female Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, was left on the bench by head coach Randy Waldrum, for Chinwendu Ihezuo who led the Super Falcon’s attack from the start, alongside Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, and Toni Payne.
The nine-time African champions started the game on the back of an impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup and an eight-game unbeaten run.
The Super Falcons’ attacking play, which has struggled for most part of the game, almost paid off in the closing moments, only for Echegini’s chip to rise above the opposition goalpost. And on the hour mark, Marta’s dipping curl from the left was thwarted by the upright, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Ludmila three minutes later.
Ajibade forced another smart save from the Brazilian goalkeeper in the 71st minute, and Christy Ucheibe did the same with minutes left. But the Canarinhas held on to pick all three points in the evening.
The Super Falcons will play their second match against world champions Spain – who defeated Japan 2-1 in Group C’s opener – in Nantes on Sunday evening. Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí makes history with her first Olympic goal as a Ballon d’Or winner.
A draw or victory against the world champions will keep Nigeria in the women’s football competition.
