The Super Falcons vs Brazil 2024 Olympics opener ended in disappointment for Nigeria as they fell to a 1-0 defeat on Thursday.
Despite every player in the Nigeria squad playing in their first-ever Olympics, they gave a good account of themselves, but were only undone by a brilliant first-half strike by Gabi Nunes.
Having staged a return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence, Randy Waldrum’s side didn’t show any signs of stage fright and, especially in the first half, played with the same swagger as during last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Waldrum also named an attacking line-up but made the bold decision of dropping six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, with Chinwendu Ihezuo getting the nod.
Player ratings for the Super Falcons vs Brazil
Chiamaka Nnadozie – 7
Chiamaka Nnadozie was once again an assured presence in the post and was always proactive in dealing with the aerial threat posed by the Brazilians.
Although she was beaten at her near post for Brazil’s goal, it had more to do with the exceptionality of Nunes’ strike than the shot-stopper’s incompetence. The Super Falcons' shot-stopper also made four good saves.
Michelle Alozie – 6
The right-back was decent against Brazil and put up a tireless performance on that flank. Michelle Alozie was responsible for losing the ball on a couple of occasions but her timely tackles helped to neutralize some of the opponent’s dangerous sequences.
Chidinma Okeke – 6
The Super Falcons left-back made some great clearances but didn’t provide much going forward. She struggled in the first half, but one of her most important contributions was a timely block that prevented the ball from hitting the target.
Oluwatosin Demehin – 6.5
Demehin was solid in defence alongside her centre-back partner Osinachi Ohale. She could take some flak for Brazil’s goal, as Nunes received the ball in the half-space that she should’ve covered but she rarely put a foot wrong afterward.
Osinachi Ohale – 6.5
Like Demehin, Ohale also had a decent outing at the back. The defender made three crucial clearances and was a great outlet for building from the back.
Deborah Abiodun – 7
Arguably the best Super Falcons player on the pitch in the first half, Abiodun helped to shield the Super Falcons’ back four by complementing Christy Ucheibe effortlessly. Without the ball, she was instrumental in Nigeria maintaining their shape against the Brazilians.
Christy Ucheibe – 7
Ucheibe was equally as good as Abiodun in the middle of the park. The midfielder was everywhere on the pitch and despite playing in a deeper role, she was a constant threat and had more shots on target (three) than any other player on the pitch.
Toni Payne – 6
Payne didn’t enjoy her best game playing behind the striker but she still gave it her all and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet after her close-range effort was saved.
Jennifer Echegini – 6
New PSG signing Echegini came into the Olympics with a great reputation but was largely subdued in the 67 minutes that she played on the left wing. She showed flashes of her brilliance with her passes and long balls but it just wasn’t her day.
Rasheedat Ajibade – 7
Super Falcons' captain Ajibade also has a shout for Nigeria’s best player on the pitch. The Atletico Madrid player of the season was the Super Falcon’s liveliest threat and put in a few dangerous crosses from the right that troubled the Brazilians.
Chinwendu Ihezuo – 5
There was a lot of pressure on Ihezuo to perform after Randy Waldrum picked her to lead the line ahead of the more experienced Asisat Oshoala. The 27-year-old, however, struggled for large spells and was hooked at half-time.
Substitutes
Esther Okoronkwo – 5
Okoronkwo had 45 minutes to impress after replacing Ihezuo but she also found chances very hard to come by. Nigeria’s struggles with finding their attackers in good spaces was once again evident and she was often left isolated.
Uchenna Kanu – 5
Kanu also came on for Payne in the second half but she didn’t impact the game much.
Ifeoma Onumonu – 5
Having replaced Echegini, Onumonu had just 16 touches during her time on the pitch and couldn’t really settle due to Brazil dominating possession.
Nicole Payne – 6
Nicole Payne replaced left-back Okeke with 15 minutes left and although she also didn’t provide much attacking impetus, her forward passes often got Nigeria out of trouble.
What next?
The Super Falcons currently sit at the bottom of Group C following Spain’s 2-1 win over Japan earlier in the day. Waldrum and his side will, however, be facing the world champions next on Sunday, July 28.
