In an anticipated thrilling encounter, Nigeria’s Super Falcons face Brazil in their opening match of the 2024 Olympic women’s football tournament on Thursday.
The Super Falcons are eager for a historic victory in this fixture, which will be broadcast live today on DStv Ch. 203 and GOtv Ch. 61 at 6 pm.
Who will officiate the game?
Kim Yu-jeong from South Korea will officiate, with her compatriot Park Mi-suk and Australia’s Joanna Charaktis serving as assistant referees. Serbia’s Jelena Cvetkovic will act as the fourth official, while Australia’s Kate Jacewicz and Croatia’s Ivan Bebek handle VAR duties.
Fans worldwide can also catch the live broadcast on Sporty TV channel on StarTimes at 6 pm, promising an unforgettable spectacle.
Randy Waldrum’s Falcons must bring their A-game to advance from Group C, which includes world champions Spain and former world champions Japan.
This highly anticipated match recalls the legendary 1996 Olympic semi-final where Nigeria’s men famously triumphed over Brazil.
Although the Nigerian men’s team isn’t participating in 2024 Olympics, the Super Falcons are making a comeback after a 16-year absence.
Following an impressive run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, they enter the Olympics with momentum and a talented roster featuring stars like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Head-to-Head
This marks the third meeting between these football powerhouses and their second Olympic clash. Brazil won the previous encounters, including a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a 3-1 win in the 2008 Beijing Olympics group stage.
However, the current Super Falcons squad, bolstered by their World Cup performance, is a formidable opponent. They aim to make a significant impact on the Olympic stage with a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, eager to overturn past results against Brazil.
Talented Squad
Coach Randy Waldrum can be optimistic, given the quality of his players. In addition to world-class goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, the defense features stalwarts like Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Chidinma Okeke.
The midfield boasts talents such as Rasheedat Ajibade, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, and Toni Payne, while forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu add to the promising lineup.
The Falcons’ best Olympic performance was at the 2004 Athens games, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Germany in the quarterfinals. They missed the last three Olympic Games but are determined to make a mark this time.
Brazil, consistent Olympic participants, won silver in 2004 and 2008. They have won nine of their last eleven matches, whereas the Falcons are undefeated in their last eight competitive games.
Following this match, the Falcons will face Spain on July 28 and conclude the group stage against Japan on July 31.
In the qualifiers, the Super Falcons overcame Ethiopia, Cameroon, and South Africa to secure their spot at the Paris Olympic Games.
