Nigeria fall to Brazil in Olympic opener

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Jul 25, 2024. 21:09

Nigeria fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil in their opening 2024 Olympic Games women’s football match, held at Stade de Bordeaux on Thursday evening.

The result, secured by a first-half goal from Gabi Nunes, sees the South Americans join Spain (who defeated Japan 2-1 earlier in the day) on three points at the top of Group B, while the ‘Super Falcons’ and ‘Nadeshiko’ are left playing catch-up.

Nigeria, who left star player Asisat Oshoala on the bench, put up a strong fight through the first half, and almost claimed the lead on the quarter hour mark when Brazil goalkeeper Lorena was forced into two excellent saves by Rasheedat Ajibade and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

However, the South Americans broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when Marta took advantage of some slack defending to tee up Gabi Nunes for a fine finish.

Nigeria swapped out Ihezuo for Esther Okoronkwo at the start of the second half, but had to wait until less than 20 minutes left to play to finally threaten an equaliser, as Ajibade’s drive was turned away by Lorena.

That was as close to an equaliser as Nigeria managed, with Brazil able to put up a strong rearguard action under pressure in the late stages to secure all three points.

Nigeria will next face Spain at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on the evening of Sunday 28 July, while Brazil will be in action earlier the same day against Japan at the Parc des Princes in Paris.