Nigeria will make their first appearance at the 2024 Olympics women's football event on Thursday when the hotly anticipated Super Falcons vs Brazil encounter goes down.
The Super Falcons last participated in the Olympics in 2008, having disappointingly failed to qualify for the last three editions.
Drawn in the same group with Spain, Japan and Brazil, Randy Waldrum's side have their work cut out as they aim to reach the knockout stage for only the second time in the country’s history.
Players to watch out for during Super Falcons vs Brazil
As we build up to the big Super Falcons vs Brazil match at Stade Bordeaux, Afrik-Foot has picked the five players to watch out for from both teams.
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala has not always been at her best in the Nigeria shirt but she remains one of her country’s key figures going into the 2024 Olympics.
The record six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year has won a lot already in her career, including three WAFCON titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns, but will be making her Olympics debut against Brazil.
The Falcons will be counting on her experience and big-game temperament once the Super Falcons vs Brazil clash kicks off.
Marta
For many years, Marta was the face of women’s football across the globe and she lived up to that reputation with consistent performances at both club and international levels. Currently 38, she is in the twilight of her career and could be playing in her last tournament for Brazil.
While Marta has had a trophy-laden career, a gold medal at the Olympics is missing from her résumé, with two bronze medals all she has to her name despite being a regular fixture in the competition since 2002.
Head coach Arthur Elias is unlikely to rely heavily on Marta this time, but the Orlando Pride forward still possesses the quality to change a game off the bench and that could come in handy in this Super Falcons vs Brazil encounter, especially with the Nigeria defence somewhat lacking experience.
Rasheedat Ajibade
Rasheedat Ajibade is currently one of Nigeria’s, and by extension Africa’s, best female players after enjoying an impressive campaign with Atletico Madrid.
She’s one of the players who have risen through the ranks – from U17 and U20 – before earning her place on the Super Falcons roster.
Fresh from being named Atletico Madrid’s player of the season after scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists, Ajibade will be looking to take her rich vein of form into the Olympics and Brazil must be wary of the threat that she poses in the attacking third.
Kerolin
While Marta’s star appears to be dimming, the feeling among many Brazilians is that Kerolin has the potential to fill the big boots of her veteran compatriot.
At just 24, the attacking midfielder has already established herself as a starter for Brazil. Kerolin’s inclusion in the squad for the Olympics is a huge gamble, though, with the player having not actively played since tearing her ACL last October.
Still, she’s the reigning NWSL Most Valuable Player, a testament to the quality Brazil will be counting on during Thursday’s game against Nigeria.
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Chiamaka Nnadozie will be debuting at the Paris Olympics on the back of being adjudged the goalkeeper of the season in the French women’s league.
The 23-year-old has consistently proven herself with outstanding performances for Paris FC and will be key if Nigeria are going to shut out Brazil in their opening game.
If there is any Nigerian hope of a favourable outcome in the Super Falcons vs Brazil clash, Nnadozie will need to play a blinder.
