THE Super Falcons will hope to end their two consecutive defeats in the women’s football event at the 2024 Paris Olympics when they take on Japan in the final Group C game at the Stade de La Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau on Wednesday (today).
Nigeria and Japan are both targeting a place in the Olympic quarter-finals and a win for either side will do their campaign a lot of good.
After two rounds of matches, the Falcons are at the bottom of their group, following back-to-back defeats against Brazil and Spain, while Japan are sitting in second place in Group C with three points to their name.
Nigeria have experienced a disappointing start to their first Olympic campaign since 2008, having fallen just short in both of their first two matches in France.
After losing 1-0 to Brazil in their first game, Randy Waldrum’s side looked set to pick up a hard-earned point in their second game against reigning champions Spain on Sunday. A late goal from Barcelona player Alexia Putellas ensured the Spaniards snatched all three points.
Nigeria will be concerned with the fact they have now failed to score in three consecutive internationals, which is something they will need to change if they are to have any hope of progressing to the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2004 Olympics.
Although they are three points adrift of Brazil and Japan, Nigeria know that a win will give them a chance of securing second position or one of the best third-placed spots.
The Falcons may be able to draw inspiration from the fact they claimed a narrow 1-0 win in their only previous meeting with Japan at the 2004 Olympics in Greece.
Speaking ahead of the game, Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, said the team would continue to give their all.
“Victory over Japan is possible. We will work hard so that we can accomplish that. The Super Falcons have done it before and we can do it again,” said captain Ajibade.Meanwhile, Japan began their bid to win their first Olympic medal since London 2012 with a narrow 2-1 defeat to world champions Spain, leaving them on the backfoot ahead of their second group match against Brazil.
Futoshi Ikeda’s side looked to be heading towards another defeat when Mina Tanaka’s penalty miss in first-half stoppage time was followed by a Brazilian opener in the 56th minute.
However, Japan showed great character to pull off a dramatic turnaround, with Saki Kumagai netting a 92nd-minute penalty before substitute Momoko Tanikawa scored a sublime long-range winner.
As a result of that victory, they moved into second place and above Brazil on goals scored, leaving them three points adrift of Spain and three points ahead of Nigeria.
Having featured in the knockout rounds in their last four Olympic appearances, Japan are hoping they can produce a strong performance against Nigeria to avoid their first group-stage exit since 1996.
Waldrum could be tempted to stick with the same side that produced a strong display in the narrow defeat to Spain.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will be shielded by a back four of Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin and Chidinma Okeke.
In attack, Esther Okoronkwo is set to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the line for the Falcons.
After staging a late turnaround against Brazil, the Asians will carry significant momentum into Wednesday’s contest but the Falcons will be buoyed by the fact that a win in the encounter could keep them in the tournament.