Nigeria's Super Falcons have a monumental task in their hands as they aim to defeat world champions Spain in their second game of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday.
Soccernet.ng reports that there is a big discrepancy between both teams in terms of quality and achievements. Although Nigeria have dominated the continent with eleven Women's Africa Cup of Nations title, they have consistently fumbled on the world stage.
La Roja are entering the Olympics as queens of the world after winning the FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year. Nigeria on the other hand, finished in the round of 16 after getting ousted by England via penalty shootouts.
The performance of Randy Waldrum's at that World Cup gave Nigerians big hopes heading into the Olympics, but most of the optimists were left disappointed by the women's 1-0 loss to Brazil on thursday.
Meanwhile, Spain have not slowed down since winning the World Cup last year. Since that triumph over England, they have lost just one of their last fifteen games, including their first game games of the Olympics against Japan.
Their game against Japan was their first-ever game in the Olympics, and despite a slow start, they managed to eke out the win.
La Roja know that defeating Nigeria seals their spot in the quarterfinals, but the Super Falcons also need a point at the very least to stand a chance of qualifying from their group. Hence, it promises to be an enthralling encounter.
Match Analysis
As stated earlier, both teams have a lot of motivation going into this tie. After failing to appear at the Olympics for 16 years, Nigeria would not want to fumble with this rare opportunity. As such, when they play, they will be fighting for their lives.
Although the team has been quite solid defensively, Spain have enough in their arsenal to penetrate, as they boast of stars like, Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putella, among others.
The Super Falcons have some firepower though, with the likes of Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and six-time CAF best player Asisat Oshoala- if she plays.
Against Japan in their first game, Spain commanded 69% of the possession. So the Super Falcons should not expect too see much of the ball. It is even unlikely that Nigeria will try to dictate play because Waldrum is always conservative with his approach and would rather wait to counter opponents.
Head to head
Both teams have never met in an international fixture. But Spain have won four and lost one of their last five games while Nigeria have picked two wins, two draws, and one defeat from their last five fixtures.
Possible lineups
Nigeria: 4-2-3-1
Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Chidinma Okeke; Deborah Abiodun, Ucheibe; Jennifer Echegini, Oyedupe Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade; Asisat Oshoala.
Spain: 4-1-2-3
Cata Coll; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri Lopez, Olga Carmona; Patricia Guijarro; Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Athenea del Castillo, Salma Paralluelo; Mariona Caldentey.
Match details
Competition: Paris 2024 Olympics
Match: Spain vs Nigeria
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2024
Venue: Stade de le Beaujoire, Nantes
Kickoff time: 6 PM (Nigerian time)
