Spain 1 – 0 Nigeria: Last-minute Putellas strike shatters Super Falcons’ Olympic dreams

The Spain women's national team has dashed the Super Falcons' hopes of advancing to the next round of the 2024 Olympic tournament,Soccernet.ng reports. 

In the 85th minute, Barcelona Femeni midfielder Alexia Putellas executed a cunning free kick that caught Chiamaka Nnadozie off guard, securing all three points for Spain.

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Earlier, Changchun Dazhong forward Esther Okoronkwo came close to making a difference with a solid effort in the 22nd minute, but Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll denied her beautifully struck shot.

Nigeria had another promising opportunity in the 35th minute when Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala delivered a sharp pass to Atletico Femeni’s Rasheedat Ajibade. However, Ajibade, couldn’t find the finish.

Towards the end of the first half, the Spanish team showcased their skills, but Chiamaka Nnadozie, the reigning African Women Goalkeeper of the Year, continued her impressive performance by preventing Putellas from scoring.

La Roja quickly made a statement in the second half as Salma Paralluelo pounced on a Teresa Duenas cross to put Spain ahead. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed.

Despite Spain’s dominance, Nigeria did not relent. Rasheedat Ajibade had a clear chance to give the 11-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions the lead, but the captain’s long shot could not find the target.

The Nigerian women’s team will face Japan in their next game. However, even a win will not guarantee their advancement unless they achieve a significant goal-difference victory and Brazil loses, allowing Nigeria to secure a best loser qualification.

The Super Falcons now face a daunting challenge to keep their Olympic dreams alive.