Nigeria’s Super Falcons make a triumphant return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after 16 years absence, instilling fear in their opponents. Brazil will be the first to challenge the confident Nigerian team in what promises to be an explosive Group C opener in Bordeaux today.
In the past, pundits might have viewed this clash as an easy win for the South Americans, known for producing some of the world’s best players. However, much has changed over the past year and a half. Based on their performance at last summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, any team that underestimates the nine-time African champions could be in for a rude awakening.
The Falcons return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament facing the same team they last played – Brazil. In their previous encounter at the tournament, Nigeria lost 1-3 to the Canarinhas at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium. Despite Perpetua Nkwocha’s opening penalty kick, a hat-trick by Cristiane propelled Brazil to the quarter-finals.
Today’s match at the 42,000-capacity Stade Matmut Atlantique in France is expected to be far more competitive and entertaining. Nigeria’s squad, filled with talented and enterprising professionals from clubs in Europe and the Americas, is confident and unafraid of facing top teams, as demonstrated in Australia last year.
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Under the guidance of American coach Randy Waldrum, the team impressed at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup, successfully neutralizing Olympic champions Canada, defeating hosts Australia, and drawing with the Republic of Ireland to reach the Round of 16. There, they battled England fiercely but ultimately lost in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.
Only reserve goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi remains from the 2008 squad, but assistant coach Ann Chiejine, who was part of the memorable 1999 World Cup match against Brazil, brings valuable experience. In that match, Nigeria came back from a 0-3 deficit to tie the game 3-3, only to lose by a ‘golden goal’ in Maryland.
Today, both teams will be fully committed, with their sights set on the three points and a spot in the quarter-finals. Coach Waldrum can be confident with a roster featuring world-class goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defensive stalwarts Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Chidinma Okeke, midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, and Toni Payne, and forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu.
The Super Falcons have triumphed over Ethiopia, Cameroon, and South Africa to reach the final tournament, and they undoubtedly possess the skill and determination to succeed in France.
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