Falcons Crash Out of Paris 2024

The Nigerian women’s football team, the Falcons, have been eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympics following a 3-1 defeat to Japan in their final Group C match, The PUNCH reports. Japan’s clinical performance secured their spot in the quarter-finals, leaving Nigeria to head home after a winless group stage.

The match, held on August 1, 2024, saw Japan take an early lead with goals from Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka, and Hikaru Kitagawa. Japan’s dominance in the first half proved too much for Nigeria, who struggled to contain their opponents’ relentless attacks.

Nigeria’s coach Randy Waldrum retained faith in the lineup that narrowly lost 1-0 to Spain in their previous match. Chiamaka Nnadozie started in goal, with a defensive line consisting of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Chidinma Okeke, and Osinachi Ohale. Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun held the midfield pivot positions, while Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne supported lone striker Asisat Oshoala.

From the kickoff, Japan dominated possession, dictating the flow of the game. Nnadozie made an early save in the 6th minute from Tanaka’s half-volley, but the pressure from the 2011 Women’s World Cup winners continued to build. In the 16th minute, Ohale made a crucial block to deny Japan a clear scoring opportunity.

Japan broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Maika Hamano finished off a precise pass from Riko Ueki, exploiting Nigeria’s defensive lapse. Just ten minutes later, Mina Tanaka doubled Japan’s lead, reacting quickly to a Ueki header that struck the crossbar.

Despite a controversial non-call for a handball in the 34th minute, Nigeria managed to claw back into the game. In the 42nd minute, a well-coordinated exchange between Abiodun and Echegini culminated in a powerful strike from the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

However, Japan restored their two-goal advantage in stoppage time of the first half. Hikaru Kitagawa’s curling shot from a set piece beat Nnadozie, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Early in the second half, Echegini nearly scored a second for Nigeria, but her effort was cleared by a Japanese defender. In the 54th minute, a penalty awarded to Japan was overturned by VAR, giving Nigeria a glimmer of hope. Despite their efforts, the Falcons could not break down Japan’s defense again.

As the match wore on, Nigeria pushed for a consolation goal but failed to convert their chances. The defeat confirmed their exit from the tournament, having lost all three group matches and finishing bottom of Group C with zero points.