The Super Falcons are effectively out of the Women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics after a narrow 1-0 loss to reigning world champions Spain.
Alexia Putellas’s 85th-minute goal condemned the Super Falcons to a second straight loss despite a valiant defensive performance by the team.
It was always going to be a difficult task for the Super Falcons against the best team in the world. Spain dominated the game from the outset, exerting significant pressure on the Nigerian defense.
Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, and Salma Paralluelo were the primary instigators of the Spanish assault.
The Super Falcons, however, maintained their defensive shape and managed to keep the Spaniards, who enjoyed the lion's share of possession, at bay.
In the 12th minute, Nigeria had their first real attempt at goal from Esther Okoronkwo, but it came to naught as Asisat Oshoala, who passed the ball to her, was offside.
Super Falcons defensive discipline top notch in the first half
Spain had a good opportunity to take the lead in the 21st minute through Salma Paralluelo, but Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was equal to the task.
In what was probably the best chance of the half, the Super Falcons launched a counterattack when Ajibade set up Esther Okoronkwo, whose shot was saved by the Spanish goalkeeper.
The Super Falcons had another great chance to go ahead in the 34th minute after Asisat Oshoala lobbed the ball to Rasheedat Ajibade, putting her through on goal. Unfortunately, Ajibade lost her footing just as she was about to pull the trigger.
Spain had the final chance of the first half in the 44th minute when Chiamaka Nnadozie made a brilliant instinctive save from a poke by Putellas, ensuring that both teams went into halftime without finding the back of the net.
The second half was much like the first, with Spain maintaining more possession and launching a torrent of attacks on the Nigerian goal.
Spanish attacker Salma Paralluelo thought she had scored for Spain early in the second half, but it was ruled offside by VAR.
Chiamaka Nnadozie then had to come up big to save from Garcia, and Spain missed another chance in the 67th minute when Paralluelo headed over the bar.
Super Falcons defender Osinachi Ohale then saved on the line as Spain upped the tempo.
Alexia Putellas late goal puts Super Falcons to the sword
The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute when Alexia Putellas scored directly from a freekick, which looped past Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria had the chance to equalize in added time of the second half when substitute Chinwendu was put through on goal, but she scuffed her shot with only Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll to beat.
The team will now play for pride against Asian powerhouse Japan in the last group game.
Nigeria line up: Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie (Nicole Payne), Chidinma Okeke, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe (Uchenna Kanu) , Esther Okoronkwo (Ifeoma Onumonu), Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala (Chinwendu Ihezuo)