Paris 2024: Super Falcons’ Olympic return ends in group stage disappointment

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympics after suffering a 3-1 loss to Japan in their final group game at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Wednesday, July 31.

Having failed to score any goal in their first two fixtures against Brazil and Spain, coach Randy Waldrum made a single change to his starting lineup against the World Champions. Paris Saint Germain’s Jennifer Echegini replaced Esther Okoronkwo, while Asisat Oshoala retained her spot alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the team’s attack.

Though the Super Falcons’ sole Olympic victory was a 1-0 win over Japan in August 2004, the opening minutes of Wednesday’s encounter hinted at a possible break from history. It was a familiar scenario of Nigeria’s defence holding strong against the opposition’s attack, with Chiamaka Nnadozie and Osinachi Ohale making crucial blocks before the Nadeshiko eventually broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute.

Chelsea’s Maika Hamano slotted into an open net to give Japan the lead from Riko Ueki’s poignant pass. The 2011 FIFA World Cup Champions doubled their lead 10 minutes later through Mina Tanaka before the Falcons scored their first and only goal of the tournament in the 42nd minute.

A beautiful team play from the nine-time African Champions ended with Echegini firing from the edge of the box to become the first Falcon to score at the Olympics in 16 years after Perpetua Nkwocha’s strike in a 3-1 defeat to Brazil in 2008.

Barely eight minutes after Nigeria found the back of the net, Japan extinguished any hopes of a comeback to strengthen their lead. Hikaru Kitagawa’s stunning direct free-kick left Nnadozie helpless, making it 3-1 a few seconds before the halftime whistle.

Waldrum’s second-half substitution could only prevent the team from conceding more, as the Falcons recorded their third straight loss in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Nigeria finished bottom of Group C with zero points, as their Olympics woes continue 16 years after the Beijing 2008 Olympics group stage ouster.