A place in the knockout stages of the 2024 Olympic Games is at stake as Nigeria’s Super Falcons go toe-to-toe with Japan at Stade de la Beaujoire.
In this article, you can find the Super Falcons vs Japan match time, probable lineups, and live streaming options for this clash.
Where to watch Super Falcons vs Japan live
The Super Falcons vs Japan game takes place on Wednesday 31 July 2024. Kickoff time is 16:00 WAT.
Nigerians can catch all the action live on SuperSport and StarTimes, while fans from Japan can tune in to NHK G TV for live coverage of this match.
Probable Super Falcons vs Japan lineups
Super Falcons
Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Defenders: Chidinma Okeke, Blessing Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie.
Midfielders: Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, Rasheedat Ajibade.
Forwards: Asisat Oshoala, Esther Okoronkwo.
Japan
Goalkeeper: Ayaka Yamashita.
Defenders: Miyabi Moriya, Moeka Minami, Saki Kumagai, Hana Takahashi, Toko Koga.
Midfielders: Fuka Nagano, Yui Hasegawa, Hinata Miyazawa.
Forwards: Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka.
Quick stats
- Nigeria's Super Falcons have lost three consecutive matches, and are without a win in their last four games.
- Randy Waldrum's troops did not score a single goal in their last four matches across all competitions.
- On the other hand, Japan won four of their last six games, scoring 14 times in the process.
- Japan came out on top the last two times these teams met.
Super Falcons vs Japan: Analysis of the match
Even though they lost their first two group games, the Super Falcons can still advance to the quarterfinals as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, Randy Waldrum's team would have to beat Japan by at least a two-goal margin. This is easier said than done, considering the Super Falcons have not scored in their last four matches.
Although Nigeria have looked really solid defensively, it will be a tough task to prevent Japan from getting on the scoresheet. Futoshi Ikeda’s troops found the net in 27 of their last 28 games in all competitions.
It is also worth mentioning that this is not a must-win for Japan. In fact, Japan can lose this match and still advance to the knockout stages.
Super Falcons vs Japan: Head to head record
This will be the fourth encounter between these teams and their second clash at the Olympics. Nigeria’s Super Falcons were paired in the same group as Japan during the 2004 Athens Olympics; and when they met, Nigeria won by a single goal.
Since then, these teams have met twice in friendlies, and Japan won both matches by two unanswered goals.
Super Falcons vs Japan prediction
Despite their recent struggles, the Super Falcons have not conceded more than once in the same game in over a year.
As a result, most of Nigeria’s recent matches have been low-scoring, with their last seven games going under the 1.5-goal threshold.
On that note, our Super Falcons vs Japan prediction is under 2.5 total goals.
