The Super Falcons began their campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on a shaky footing, losing 0-1 to Brazil in their first match.
Nigeria came into the game on the back of an impressive showing at the 2023 FIFA World Cup and an eight-game unbeaten run.
Brazil’s forward #10 Marta celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal, which will be disallowed, during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women’s group C football match between Nigeria and Brazil at the Bordeaux Stadium, in Bordeaux, on July 25, 2024. (Photo by Christophe ARCHAMBAULT / AFP)
They started the match well, missing a couple of chances to have taken the lead in the French city of Bordeaux.
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🅰️ Marta.
⚽️ Gabi Nunes! 👏@SelecaoFeminina | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/1wWTI9jzLT
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2024
Many thought the team would go into the tunnel with the lead or at least all square with the South Americans. But Gabi Nunes finished off finely with about eight minutes to the end of the first half to give Coach Randy Waldrum’s side a mountain to climb in the second half.
Upon the resumption of the second half, the Nigerians rallied to get back into the game. But their final balls were rarely threatening the Brazilian defence.
Despite running some changes and bringing in fresh legs to push for an equaliser, the Brazilians defended gallantly to deny the Super Falcons the leveller.
Nigeria’s next game is against world champions Spain. That match is on the 28th of July before the team take on Japan on the 31st.
In the other Group C game, Spain saw off Japan 2-1 while the US defeated Zambia 3-0 in a Group B tie. France mauled Colombia 3-0 in a Group A encounter on the same day.
