I am perplexed as the whole event for our Falcons looks like they are in the tournament for just a participation trophy. If that is the case, then, we should be smiling. The Super Falcons’ Olympic dreams hang in the balance after a narrow 1-0 defeat to world champions Spain, leaving the African giants on the brink of elimination from the 2024 Olympics Women’s Football Tournament.
Accordingly, the Super Falcons lost 1-0 to world champions Spain in their second Group C match of the 2024 Olympics Women’s Football Tournament at Stade de la Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau, Nantes, on Sunday, leaving the African giants on the brink of elimination.
Coach Randy Waldrum made two changes to the Super Falcons team that started the 1-0 defeat against Brazil, bringing in Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala for Veronica Ihezuo, while Esther Okoronkwo was preferred to new PSG singing Jennifer Echegini.
Basically, the Super Falcons’ strategy was clear, and Spain started the game on the front foot, but as much as they controlled possession, the Falcons kept their coordination at the back, with all players dropping behind the ball when out of possession.
Progressively, after Spain’s first chance in the 19th minute, Nigeria had a couple of chances to upset the world champions. Esther Okoronkwo was the first to draw a save from Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll after she was freed by a through ball from Captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
A few minutes later, Ajibade was also set through on goal by Oshoala, but the Atletico Madrid forward’s hesitation didn’t allow her to get a final touch on the ball.
For all of Spain’s dominance, their most dangerous chance came in the 44th minute, but Chiamaka Nnadozie proved why she’s the best goalkeeper in Africa, pulling off a point-blank save to deny Alexis Putellas from turning in a cross. Before then, Chidinma Okeke had made a vital block in the area to prevent the Spaniards from breaking the deadlock.
The Spaniards started the second half the way they began the first, and their first chance came two minutes after the restart, but Nnadozie was not to be beaten at her near post by a left-footed Putellas
Spain thought they had the breakthrough in the 53rd minute courtesy of Salma Paralluelo, but the Video Assistant Referee came to the rescue of the Super Falcons as the goal was ruled out for offside.
As they did in the first half, Waldrum’s ladies created chances of their own, and they could have hurt Spain on the counter in the 65th minute. Ajibade, however, missed again after being teed up by Oshoala on the edge of the box.
Nigeria endured a tough 15 minutes to the end of the game, surviving a goal-mouth scramble and Osinachi Ohale making a last-ditch block to keep the scoreline goalless in quick succession.
There was however no denying Spain in the 85th minute, and their breakthrough came from a superb Putellas freekick, which left Nnadozie hapless.
Ihezuo, who replaced Oshoala, had the chance to level matters for Nigeria in stoppage time, but the striker couldn’t beat Coll in a one-on-one situation, allowing Spain to take their tally in the group to six points with the 1-0 win.
Following Japan’s 2-1 win over Brazil earlier in the day, the Super Falcons are the only team in Group C without a win yet, putting their destiny in the hands of their opponents as they go into the last group game against the Asians on Wednesday.
Therefore, there is no gainsaying that to advance, Nigeria need to beat Japan, hoping Spain will beat Brazil, and also nurse the ambition of picking one of the two best losers’ spots in the next round.
____________________________________________
I am most obliged for your time here. This means a lot to us, at Inside Success Nigeria. We believe that failure is a strong tool and must be used to achieve success! Kindly find other related articles on our website and follow us on Instagram @InsideSuccessNigeria to get more updates
13 Comments
In fact the super Falcon’s are already out of the tournament
The prayer starts now 😂.. this is football, anything can happen! We hope for the best for the sake of the Super Falcons
Hmm. I liked the ladies, the Falcons. However, after their lack of grit and Passion, I changed their mind. They may qualify though. We’ll look forward to seeing a miracle.
Our ladies aren’t doing badly, after losing 2 of 3 matches. Are they? Hmm, forgive my ridiculous statement. They have actually disappointed us. We’ll wait until the Final whistle when we play Japan.
Good luck
Everything around football these days is a scam. I used to love football. Now, I hate football! There is no denying that the game is beautiful. My hatred is simply due to my losses as a bettor.
I wish the Falcons the best.
We must resolve to support our girls. Hopefully, they’ll win their last group match.
Good luck
I expect a win in our last game. Go, girls!!!
We are proud of our girls regardless.
Thank you
I agree! We should be proud of them; at least they are better than the Super Eagles
I expect the same too. Let’s stay optimistic!
Thank you!
I join my voice with the voices of the ancestor – good luck to them.
Thank you!
Football is the the most beautiful – I can say confidently that the trick in the game makes it worthwhile.
Sorry for your losses. You can try again!
Juliet, you should have been among them, you know!
We wish them well.
Thank you!