Nigeria’s Super Falcons will take world champions Spain on Sunday in their second Group C encounter in the women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The record African champions suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their opening match on Thursday, with Gabi Nunes’ first-half goal separating both teams while Spain fought hard for a 2-1 win against Japan.
Sunday’s match at Stade de la Beaujoire will be the first time Super Falcons and Spain will be meeting on the international scene.
Interestingly, Spain have won all their previous five matches against African teams in all competitions and most recently, they thrashed Zambia 5-0 at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup where they emerged champions.
How crucial is the game
Victory for Spain would guarantee their qualification to the knockout phase of the women’s football event while Nigeria need a positive result to boost their chances of making it to the quarter-final of the Olympics event for the second time in their history.
La Roja sit atop of Group C with three points and two goals scored while Super Falcons are rooted to the bottom with no point and no goal scored.
Previous record and form
Based on form, the Super Falcons have struggled for positive results at the Olympics having won just one of their last 10 matches.
Their only win at the Summer Olympics was at Athens 2004 Games where they defeated Japan 1-0.
Spain, on the other hand, are in rich vein of form as world champions and they have only lost two of their last 15 matches since August 2023.
They are making their maiden appearance in the women’s football event at the Olympics this year.
Key Players to watch for
Rasheedat Ajibade is the key player to watch out for in Nigeria squad. She wears the captain’s armband and she was outstanding with her forward runs and playmaking skills against Brazil on Thursday.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and midfielder Deborah Abiodun are other important players to keep an eye on in Randy Waldrum’s team.
For Spain, Aitana Bonmati stand out in the mix of world class players after her grabbing a goal and an assist in their 2-1 win against Japan on Thursday.
Aside Bonmati’s influence, two-time Ballon d’Or winner and captain Alexia Putellas, Jenni Hermoso are also key figures in Montse Tome’s selection.
When is the game
Spain’s La Roja and Nigeria’s Super Falcons will battle each other on Sunday, July 28 at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
The kick-off time is set for 6pm (Nigerian Time).
