Nigeria’s Super Falcons will continue their quest for their first points in the 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament against Japan on Wednesday. The nine-time African champions put up a commendable fight against world champions Spain, holding them scoreless for 85 minutes before conceding a single goal that secured Spain’s victory in Nantes on Sunday.
Spain dominated possession as expected, but the Falcons’ exceptional defensive performance limited them to just one goal. The outcome could have been different if captain Rasheedat Ajibade had maintained her balance when she was through on goal in the 36th minute, or if substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo had decided quicker on her action with only the goalkeeper to beat in added time.
The Falcons appeared threatening on counter-attacks at times, such as in the 23rd minute when Esther Okoronkwo’s shot was saved after she received a pass from Ajibade, and in the 65th minute when Ajibade lifted the ball slightly too high after a back pass from Asisat Oshoala. Oshoala herself missed an opportunity with 18 minutes remaining, opting to pass when it seemed easier to attempt a shot.
Earlier in the second half, Salma Paralluelo found the net after a corner kick but was ruled offside. With nine minutes remaining, Osinachi Ohale cleared a shot from Alexia Putellas, who had been repeatedly denied by Nnadozie, just outside the box.
The winning goal came in the 85th minute when the ever-present Putellas scored from a free-kick on the left side of Nigeria’s defense.
The defeat leaves the Falcons without points in the tournament, necessitating a victory against Japan at the same venue on Wednesday to have any hope of advancing to the quarter-finals.