Super Falcons gave almost everything today only to go down by the odd goal against Brazil in their opening Group C match of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Spain now lead the group after they saw off 2011 world champions Japan 2-1 in the opening game of this first round section.
On Sunday, the Super Falcons take on world champions Spain in Nantes, while Japan and Brazil do battle.
Gabi Nunes spectacular goal after 38 minutes proved to be the match winner in this very physically bruising contest.
She dashed into the box before she let fly an unstoppable shot into the roof the net.
Nigeria created some decent chances, but their undoing was that they failed to put any away tonight.
Brazil enjoyed more of the possession – 55% – but in the closing minutes the Super Falcons finished the stronger of the two teams.
As the minutes ticked away, coach Randy Waldrum was forced to make more attacking changes – Ifeoma Onumonu in for Jennifer Echegini and Uchenna Kanu replaced Toni Payne all in the 67th minute.
Ajibade’s shot in the 71st minute was directly at the goalkeeper.
The Super Falcons struggled in the opening minutes before they settled down in this contest against the South American champions.
Striker Chinwendu Ihezuo was denied in the 15th minute by the agile Brazil goalkeeper, who then had to push away a powerful shot by Christy Ucheibe for a corner almost immediately.
Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade shone brightly on the right flank and it was her individual brilliance that had unlocked the defence of the Samba Girls.
Martha’s goal in the 36th minute was then chalked off by VAR for offside, before Brazil responded well to open scores through Gabi Nunez, who sprinted into the box she fired an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Super Falcons Starting XI vs Brazil (4-4-2): Nnadozie – Okeke (Nicole Payne 74), Alozie, Ohale, Demehin – Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne (Kanu 67), Jennifer Echegini (Onumonu 67) – Ajibade (captain), Ihezuo (Esther Okoronkwo 46)
