Nigeria Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Brazil in their 2024 Olympics Group C clash in Bordeaux on Thursday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Randy Waldrum’s side huffed and puffed in the game but only a first half goal from Gabi Nunes separated the two-time Olympics silver medallists from the nine-time African champions.
Playing their first football game at the Olympics in 16 years, the Super Falcons captained by Rasheedat Ajibade, started the game brightly at Stade Matmut Atlantique.
Rasheedat was fantastic down the right for Nigeria as the South Americans struglled to exert their fominance in the early exchanges. On two occasions within ten minutes, Nigeria threatened to go in front as Chinwendu Ihezuo’s shot was blocked and Christy Ucheibe’s follow-up effort punched away.
At the other end, Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made a huge stop to deny Portilho before dealing with a long-range effort by Gabi Nunes five minutes later.
With ten minutes left until the end of the half, Brazil captain Marta thought she had given her team the lead when she struck past Nnadozie as the Falcons’ defence failed to clear, but the goal was chalked off offside.
Just seconds later, the game’s only goal was scored after the Nigerian defence went to sleep. A fabulous pass by Marta found Nunes, who fired past Nnadozie into the top corner.
The South Americans took the lead into the break and did emerge the better team after the interval as Marta’s dipping effort crashed against the upright, before Nnadozie saved from Ludmila moments later.
As the game entered the final half hour, Rasheedat forced another smart save from the Brazilian goalkeeper before Ucheibe’s effort later, but the Brazilians held on to secure the win.
The Super Falcons will now face world champions Spain – who defeated Japan 2-1 in the other group game – in Nantes on Sunday evening.
