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The African representatives made faulty starts at the 2024 Olympics in France after losing to their respective opponents. Brazil continued their dominance over Nigeria with a 1-0 win in Thursday’s Olympic women’s football fixture.
Gabi Nunes’ first-half effort powered the South Americans past the hard-fighting Super Falcons at the Stade de Bordeaux. Heading into the fixture, Randy Waldrum’s women were hoping to get off to a flying start as well as end the Female Canaries’ supremacy.
Nevertheless, that was not the case as they paid dearly for their numerous misses. Brazil made a promising start with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie forced to make a great save in the fourth minute. As the game progressed, the Nigerian ladies grew in confidence as they threatened the opponents’ backline, but they were poor in the final third.
Marta thought she had put her side ahead in the 36th minute, unfortunately that strike was chalked off for offside. A minute later, she teed up Gabi who drilled an unstoppable shot past a helpless Nnadozie who put up a commendable showing. Despite an improved performance in the second half, Nigeria, without key forward Asisat Oshoala, could not restore parity. They must now win their next two matches to stand a chance of reaching the knockout phase.
After the hard-fought win, Brazil goalkeeper stated her side deserved to win while thumbing up the impact of Coach Arthur Elias. “Brazil is very prepared. Arthur is doing an excellent job and we are very prepared,” she was quoted by FIFA website. “We could all see today how strong the group is, and Nigeria is a difficult team, but we deserved to win. Our squad is united and we will always battle for the first place." Nigeria would be hoping to return to winning ways when they face reigning world champions Spain on Sunday at Nantes’ Stade de la Beaujoire.
