Paris 2024 Olympics: Gift Monday backs Super Falcons to scale tough group

Johnson OpeisaJuly 25, 20241 Mins read219

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Gift Monday of Nigeria celebrates after her team advanced to the knockouts following the scoreless draw in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 31, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Super Falcons striker Gift Monday has predicted that Nigeria will qualify from the group stage of the Paris 2024 Olympics Football Tournament.

The Falcons’ return to the Olympics stage after 16 years came with its share of difficulties. The nine-time African champions were drawn in Group C against two-time Olympic silver medalists Brazil, current World Cup holders Spain, and 2011 champions Japan.

To qualify for the next stage, the Super Falcons need to earn a positive result in their match against Spain on Sunday, July 28, after losing their opening fixture to Brazil on Thursday.

Despite the odds against the Randy Waldrum-led side, Monday, in an interview with 54Footballx said the team has an 85% chance of advancing to the next stage.

“If I’d rate chances, I’d say 85%, because I have so much trust and believe in the Super Falcons of Nigeria,” the 22-year-old said.

“I know they are prepared, they have good players with great potential, so yeah, there’s a good chance for them to qualify for the next stage.”

Monday, however, isn’t part of the team flying Nigeria’s flag at the Women’s Olympics Football Tournament in Paris.

The former Bayelsa Queens’ striker wasn’t included in Waldrum’s 18-woman list for the Super Falcons Olympics campaign. Though she was one of the alternate players who resumed training camp with the team in Spain, she departed the team’s camp after she didn’t make it into the squad.

“Initially, I felt bad. But I now feel fulfilled because I was part of the journey,” Monday reacted to her omission from the main squad.

“You know the Super Falcons have been like a family to me, so whether I’m in Paris or not, I’m there in spirit, and I know the girls will play for me.”

Alani Jumoke, Ademola Morufat, and Regina Otu are the other three alternate players who departed Falcons camp for Nigeria.

After their loss to Brazil on Thursday at the Bordeaux Stadium, the Super Falcons will continue their Olympics campaign against Spain on Sunday, and round off their group games on Wednesday, July 31 against Japan at Stade de la Beaujoire stadium in Nantes.