The Nigerian women’s football team, the Super Falcons, will face a decisive match against Japan in the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. This match is crucial for the Super Falcons, who are aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s football event.
Nigeria currently sits at the bottom of Group C after two narrow 1-0 defeats against Brazil and Spain in their initial matches. With zero points, the Super Falcons trail group leaders Spain, who have six points from two matches. Japan is in second place with three points, while Brazil also has three points but is in third place due to goal difference.
For Nigeria to have any hope of advancing, they must win their final group game against Japan. A victory is essential not just for the three points but also to boost their goal difference, which could be critical in qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.
Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, remains hopeful about his team’s chances. He stated, “The way the matches had gone, we still needed a result against Japan and had the chance of going through, so whether we lose or we draw, we still had the opportunity. I think if we beat Japan depending on what happens in Canada’s group since they have got six points.”
Respected journalist Femi Fabunmi shared his thoughts on the Super Falcons’ performance. “Judging by the standard set by the Super Falcons at the last World Cup, they have retrogressed a bit. Their performances so far at the Paris Olympics have been below par. Their offensive style of play has been practically dodgy. They should have at least gotten a draw against Spain having held them for 85th minutes but a few moments of loss of concentration cost them that game,” Fabunmi said.
When asked about the team’s chances against Japan, Fabunmi added, “All the Falcons need to do is to try and defeat Japan in the last group game, then the last 8 will be sure for them. They can still qualify because there are 12 teams in the female category, six will automatically qualify and two 3rd best placed teams will make it to the quarter-final.”
