Super Falcons of Nigeria have lost 1:0 to Brazil in their opening game at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Gabi Nunes’s spectacular goal after 38 minutes proved to be the match-winner in the physically bruising contest in Bordeaux.
She dashed into the box before she let fly an unstoppable shot into the roof net.
Nigeria created some decent chances, but their undoing was that they failed to put any away.
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 the 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 will next face world champions, Spain who earlier beat Japan 2:1 in the other group game.
