The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been eliminated from the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics after a 3-1 loss to Japan at La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes, France. This defeat marks their third consecutive loss in Group C, following earlier defeats to Brazil and Spain.
Match Summary
- Starting Lineup: Coach Randy Waldrum opted for Asisat Oshoala in attack, supported by Onyi Echegini in midfield, while Esther Okoronkwo started on the bench.
- First Half:
- 22nd Minute: Japan’s Maika Hamano opened the scoring with an assist from Riko Ueki.
- 32nd Minute: Mina Tanaka doubled Japan’s lead.
- Response: Nigeria’s Jennifer Echegini scored after a pass from Christy Ucheibe, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
- Extra Time: Japan’s Hikaru Kitagawa scored five minutes into added time, extending the lead to 3-1.
The first half ended with Japan firmly in control, and Nigeria needed a strong second half to stay in the tournament.
Second Half:
- Substitutions: Coach Waldrum brought on Toni Payne for Chidinma Okeke and Chinwendu Ihezuo for Oshoala to bolster the defense and attack.
- Outcome: Despite the changes, Nigeria could not find the net again and failed to secure a victory.
Group Stage Results:
- Match 1: Nigeria lost 1-0 to Spain.
- Match 2: Nigeria lost 1-0 to Brazil.
- Match 3: Nigeria lost 3-1 to Japan.
With no points from three matches, the Super Falcons exit the 2024 Olympics.
Badminton: Anuoluwapo Opeyori Eliminated
In other news from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Team Nigeria’s Anuoluwapo Opeyori was eliminated in the men’s Singles Badminton event. Opeyori lost 17-21, 17-21 to Li Shifeng of China, who is ranked 6th globally. This defeat, Opeyori’s second consecutive loss, marks the end of his journey at the Paris Olympics after a challenging match.