Nigeria’s Super Falcons did not get off to the greatest of starts in the women’s football tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games following a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their Group C opener on Thursday.
The Falcons, who were making a return to the Olympics after 16 years, seemed like they meant business from the beginning at the Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux, creating three solid chances inside the opening 25 minutes.
Mexico-based forward Chiwendu Ihezuo failed to put the nine-time African champions in front from close range as her effort was brilliantly saved by Brazil goalkeeper Lorena da Silva.
Shortly after, Lorena was on hand to deny Benfica midfielder Christy Ucheibe, who forced another great save from the 27-year-old shot stopper. Meanwhile, experienced centre back Osinachi Ohale missed another glorious chance for Nigeria as her back-post header from a Toni Payne cross went over the bar.
The Brazilians regrouped and looked to create some trouble of theirs, and although they found the back of the net through legendary forward and team captain Martha, the goal didn’t count as it was ruled for offside.
With eight minutes left in the first half, the Canarinhas eventually broke the deadlock through Gabi Nunes’s thunderous strike, which left Chiamaka Nnadozie helpless after a wonderful through pass from Martha.
The South Americans were limbs and bounds above their Nigerian counterpart, with Martha hitting the uptight six minutes into the second half.
Falcons’ captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to bringing the tie level, but Lorena, who was in inspired form, denied her once again.
Brazil held on to their lone goal, picking up all available points to move into second place, tied on three points with world champions Spain, after La Roja saw off Japan earlier in the day.
The Super Falcons will be in action next on Sunday, July 28, in their second group game at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
