The Super Falcons of Nigeria will hope to secure their first win in the women’s Olympic football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics when they take on world champions Spain on Sunday, aiming to keep their qualification hopes alive in Group C.
The Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their opening match on Thursday and will look to earn a vital three points to stay in the tournament.
The match is scheduled for the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes and will be the first encounter between the two teams. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Nigeria time.
La Roja are making their Olympic Games debut in Paris after defeating France 2-0 to win the maiden Women’s Euro Nations League.
They are also clear favourites to win their first Olympic gold at the tournament. The Falcons are making their fourth appearance at the Olympics, having debuted at the 2000 Games in Sydney.
The Falcons are currently bottom of the group after losing 1-0 to Brazil, while Spain sits at the top with three points, courtesy of their 2-1 win over Japan.
Though finishing third in the group could still be enough for qualification, a defeat for the Falcons will further limit their chances of taking one of the two slots available for the best third-placed teams.
Spain is in imperious form since their World Cup triumph, winning nine of their last ten matches.
The eleven-time African champions will have their work cut out against a star-studded Spanish side led by World Cup Golden Ball and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who scored the equalizer in the victory over Japan.
Randy Waldrum’s side will need to improve on their display against Brazil, where they missed several opportunities to score. The Falcons must bring their best game to stand a chance against the formidable Spanish team.
