The Super Falcons of Nigeria were beaten 1-0 by Brazil in their opening game at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.
Gabi Nunes scored the goal in the 37th-minute to condemned Nigeria to the dissapointing loss in Bordeaux
Randy Waldrum, the Falcons’ head coach, opted to leave Asisat Oshoala on the bench and named Chinwendu Ihezuo as the team’s arrow head in the attack.
Without the former Barcelona femeni striker, Nigeria struggled in the attack throughout the game.
The team’s brief moment of excellence was inspired by the sheer determination of skipper Rashidat Ajibade, who used her skills and speed to create chances for Nigeria.
One of those brilliant runs had Ajibade giving Ihezuo an intelligent cross, but the striker’s effort was not good enough
Shortly afterwards, Christy Ucheibe forced Lorena into another sharp save.
From then on, it was all Brazil and 38-year-old Marta finally got a grip on the game with her ingenuity. The six-time women’s World Footballer of the Year thought she had given Brazil the lead in the 36th minute, but her strike was cancelled for offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The Falcons lost concentration midway in the game and gave Nunes the chance to score the decisive goal.
The Brazilian smashed the ball into the net beyond Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria struggled to get back to the game, and despite a late rally, the Brazilian held on for the vital three points.
The Falcons will now play Spain on Sunday in their second game of Group C before facing Japan in the final match on July 31.
Editor: Ken Eseni
