A few members of Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, experienced a tense moment in France as they prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Soccernet.ng reports.
The team had arrived in Bordeaux on Thursday after a training camp in Seville, Spain.
Under the guidance of American head coach Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons were finalizing their strategy for their first Olympic appearance in 16 years.
They concluded their training with a closed-door friendly match against Canada in Malaga. Although Nigeria lost 1-0 in regulation time, they triumphed 5-4 on penalties, as previously agreed regardless of the match’s outcome.
After leaving Spain on Friday, the team landed in Bordeaux via Paris, where they are set to start their Olympic campaign against Brazil on July 25.
However, their stay in the hotel took a dramatic turn when players Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Tochukwu Oluehi, and a few others were trapped in an elevator.
https://twitter.com/ojbsports/status/1814665222059110777
Despite the scare, the players remained calm until they were rescued. One player vowed not to use the elevator again during their stay. After a few minutes, the elevator door was pried open, and the players continued to their rooms on foot.
Meanwhile, four alternate squad members of the team have returned to Nigeria.
Alani Jumoke, Ademola Morufat, Gift Monday, and Regina Otu, who trained with the 18 main players, were named as substitutes in case of injuries.
Ifeoma Onumonu was initially on the alternate list but was promoted to the main squad after Halimotu Ayinde’s injury ruled her out of the Olympics.
Before departing, the alternate players visited the Nigerian Embassy in Paris on Friday.
Nigeria have been grouped with Brazil, world champions Spain, and Japan in the first round of the Olympics women’s football tournament. The Super Falcons have a record of one win and eight losses at the Olympics.
