The Nigerian women’s football team, the Super Falcons, will go into today’s Group C final game against Japan knowing that anything short of victory will end their campaign at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
After two matches, the Super Falcons have no point with a minus two goals deficit, while their opponents have three points from the same number of games.
The Nigerians have a chance of qualifying for the second round as one of the best third placed teams after the group stage, but that will only happen if they get the three points today.
The Super Falcons are bottom of Group C after losing their first two games against Brazil and Spain by the odd goal, but their performance in those two games show that they are capable of better results if they find their range in front of goal.
Looking forward to a better outing against Japan than they had in the games against Brazil and Spain, Super Falcons’ striker, Asisat Oshoala, is optimistic that her side will make the cut today.
Oshoala admitted the Falcons failed to take their chances against Brazil and Spain, but hopes it all comes together for the multiple African champions in a final group game.
“We just have to go all out against Japan,” urged Oshoala, a six-time African Player of the Year.
“We have to go all out and give everything and make the best of it because we still have the opportunity to qualify. Hope is not lost.”
Japan, like Nigeria, lost their opening Group C game, but they nicked three points in their second game against Brazil while Nigeria lost to Spain, leaving their last group game open as both sides look to qualify.
Japan need just a point to qualify, while the Super Falcons need to win by at least two goals to get to the next stage of the tournament as best losers.
Nigeria have lost their last three games, and are without a win in their last four, scoring zero goals in their last four and conceding three while Japan have won two of their last five games, losing two. They’ve also scored five goals and conceded six in that time .
In Group C’s other game, Brazil will meet leaders, Spain, with a view to getting the draw that will cement their passage to the second round.
A defeat for the Samba Girls could threaten their passage as a Nigerian victory over Japan with more than two goals will push the Super Falcons above them on goals difference. The world champions, Spain, have already made the second round with their six points from two games.
