The Super Falcons of Nigeria will face a daunting task in their opening Group C match against Brazil at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Thursday. Brazil, the undisputed giants of South American football, are heavy favorites to claim a big victory against the African queens.
The Arthur Elias-tutored Brazilian ladies arrive at the Olympics in top spirits, having won all but two of their ten games in 2024. They boast an incredibly fluid attack, evident in their recent 4-0 victories over Jamaica. Legendary number 10 Marta scored three of Brazil’s eight goals in those matches.
Nigeria, however, will not be easy prey. Under American coach Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons have grown into a more modern unit, impenetrable in defense and dangerous in attack. With the best goalkeeper on the continent and a six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year in their fold, the Falcons have enough ammunition to shoot down any opposition who underestimate them.
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The two teams have met twice before, with Brazil winning both encounters. The first match was a thrilling 4-3 win after extra time in the quarterfinals of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The second meeting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics saw Brazil triumph 3-1.
Possible lineups for the match include:
Nigeria: Chiamaka; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Okeke; Abiodun, Ucheibe; Echegini, Payne, Ajibade; Ihezuo.
Brazil: Natascha; Bruninha, Rafaelle Souza, Tarciane, Yasmim; Duda Sampaio, Laís Estevam, Byanca Brasil, Gabi Portilho, Debinha; Gabi Nunes.
The match details are as follows:
Competition: Paris 2024 Olympics
Match: Nigeria vs Brazil
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2024
Venue: Stade Matmut-Atlantique, Bordeaux
Kickoff time: 7 pm (Nigerian time)
Will the Super Falcons upset the odds and stun Brazil, or will the South Americans prove too strong? Only time will tell.
