The Super Falcons of Nigeria will hope to secure their first win in the women’s Olympic football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics when they take on world champions Spain on Sunday, aiming to keep their qualification hopes alive in Group C.
The Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their opening match on Thursday and will look to earn a vital three points to stay in the tournament.
The match is scheduled for the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes and it will be the first encounter between the two teams. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Nigeria time.
La Roja are making their Olympic Games debut in Paris after defeating France 2-0 to win the maiden Women’s Euro Nations League. They are also clear favourites to win their first Olympic gold at the tournament. The Falcons are making their fourth appearance at the Olympics, having debuted at the 2000 Games in Sydney.
The Falcons are currently bottom of the group after losing 1-0 to Brazil, while Spain sits at the top with three points, courtesy of their 2-1 win over Japan. Though finishing third in the group could still be enough for qualification, a defeat for the Falcons will further limit their chances of clinching one of the two slots available for the best third-placed teams.
Spain has been in imperious form since their World Cup triumph, winning nine of their last ten matches. The eleven-time African champions will have their work cut out against a star-studded Spanish side led by World Cup Golden Ball and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, who netted the equalizer in the victory over Japan.
Randy Waldrum’s team can take courage from their display against Brazil, during which they failed to capitalize on their chances, especially in the first half. Despite falling behind, the Falcons mounted a late rally but could not find the equaliser.
Super Falcons captain Raheedat Ajibade was a constant threat against Brazil, and the team will need to complement her efforts upfront if they are to stand a chance of securing a positive result against Spain.
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