The Super Falcons of Nigeria lost their second game in a row at the Paris Olympics women’s football event, succumbing to a 1-0 loss to world champions Spain in Nantes on Sunday evening.
A stunning freekick in the 85th minute by the women’s Ballon d’Or winner in 2021 and 2022, Alexia Putellas, earned the Spanish side all three points in a hard-fought match against the Nigerians.
The world champions dominated possession for much of the match as nine-time African champions put on a solid defensive performance by the Falcons restricted them to the lone goal victory.
Falcons’ goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also pulled another superb performance, while the Nigerian team attack led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala could not make their few chances count in a game they needed all three points to keep their Olympics dream alive.
The Falcons’s next group match against Japan at the same venue on Wednesday is a must win for the Nigerians to stand any chance of progressing to the quarterfinals.
