The Nigeria Super Falcons are set to continue their quest for their first points in the 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament as they face Japan on Wednesday. Despite a strong defensive showing against world champions Spain, the Falcons fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat in Nantes on Sunday.
Spain dominated possession throughout the match, but Nigeria's solid defensive performance restricted the European champions to a single goal. The Falcons came close to changing the game's outcome with several notable chances. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade missed an opportunity in the 36th minute, losing her balance when through on goal. In added time, substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo hesitated too long with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The Falcons also posed threats on the counter-attack. In the 23rd minute, Esther Okoronkwo forced a save from the Spanish goalkeeper after a pass from Ajibade. In the 65th minute, Ajibade missed a chance, lifting the ball too high from an Asisat Oshoala backpass. Oshoala herself opted to pass instead of shoot with 18 minutes remaining, missing another opportunity.
Spain's Salma Paralluelo had a goal disallowed for offside early in the second half, and Alexia Putellas was repeatedly denied by Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The decisive goal came in the 85th minute when Putellas scored directly from a free-kick.
The defeat leaves Nigeria without points in the tournament. The Super Falcons must secure a victory against Japan on Wednesday to have any hope of advancing to the quarterfinals.
