Ahead of the Super Falcons vs Brazil 2024 Olympics opener on Thursday, Brazilian journalist and expert Gabriella Telles has branded Nigeria the “easiest opponents” in Group C.
Nigeria will mark their return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence with a difficult test against the South American giants at Stade Bordeaux.
Randy Waldrum's side find themselves in a tough group that also includes heavyweights Japan and current world champions Spain.
Telles, who writes for leading Brazilian publication Trivela, admitted the Selecao find themselves in a tough group, but stated the feeling in Brazil is positive ahead of the Super Eagles vs Brazil encounter.
“I believe there's a mood of optimism, but with our feet firmly on the ground. Brazil has landed in a tough group,” Telles told Afrik-Foot.
“No disrespect to Nigeria, they're the ‘easiest’ opponents, but we still have to face Spain, the current world champions, and Japan, who have also been world champions and have an Olympic medal.”
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While Telles does not foresee a Nigeria upset, she admitted that a loss for Brazil would be a huge blow to their hopes of reaching the knockout stage, especially with Spain and Japan in the offing.
Referencing Brazil’s struggles in front of goal in previous international tournaments, Telles said coach Arthur Elias’ decision to select seven attackers in his 18-man squad for the Olympics could be construed as an act of desperation.
“Arthur Elias even mentioned this problem during the call-up, and said that this was one of the reasons he chose to take seven attackers to Paris and that finishing training was one of his goals in preparing for the Games,” she said.
“Personally, I think he should have taken Cristiane, she's the second top scorer in the national championship and in these moments experience counts.
“A stumble against Nigeria would already leave us in a very bad situation, considering the next opponents – even more so if we don't see good football.”
Nigeria put up an impressive display during last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup and will be aiming to reprise those big game moments at this summer's Olympics, starting with the Super Falcons vs Brazil on Thursday.
