Nigeria's Super Falcons will be looking to start on a good note when they play Brazil in the opening game of the Paris 2024 Olympics games in thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Heading into the competition, the Super Falcons are the minos as they are the lowest-placed team in their group which also has Japan and reigning world champions Spain.
However, after their performance at the last World Cup, where they qualified from a tough group, the Super Falcons can cause an upset.
On paper, Brazil are odds on favourites to nick the win. In this article, Soccernet.ng spotlights five of the players that could give Randy Waldrum's ladies a tough time.
1. Marta
The veteran Brazilian forward is probably one of the great women to grace the football pitch. The 38-year-old forward has been playing for Brazil since 2002, and she has attended six World Cups and six Olympics games.
Known for her clinical finishing, Marta is currently Brazil's highest goalscorer, with 118 goals from 183 appearances. She has extra motivation to perform at the Olympics because she has never won a gold medal.
2. Ludmila da Silva
The Atletico Madrid star will be playing at her second Olympics this year. She already has 38 caps for Brazil, and she will be looking to add to her tally.
The 29-year-old forward has been at Atletico Madrid since 2017, and she has been decent for the club. Last season, she registered three goals and two assists in 16 appearances in Laliga, and she will be looking to rack up more goals at the Olympics.
3. Vitoria Yaya
Yaya is one of the new stars that will be playing at the Olympics. The Corinthians star just broke into Brazil's squad in 2002, and she will be looking to make an impact.
The 22-year-old midfielder is known for her ball carrying ability and marking prowess. She will be key for Brazil going into the game against Nigeria.
4. Debinha
Debinha is also an important player for Brazil. She 32-year-old forward is also one of the most experienced players in Brazil's squad. She also has a good record for her country, with 59 goals in 136 appearances.
She will be key for Brazil if they want to gain anything from the game against the Super Falcons.
5. Rafaelle Souza
Rafaelle is another player in Brazil's club 30+. She has been playing for Brazil since 2012, and she has 84 caps under her belt. The 33-year-old has never won an Olympics medal, but she will be looking to change that this year. Nigeria's attackers would have to find a way to get past her if they want to get anything from the tie.
