The Super Falcons of Nigeria, serial winners of the Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), have been eliminated from the women’s football event at the 2024 Olympic Games following their third consecutive defeat.
The Nigerian team began their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Brazil in their opening Group C match. They then suffered another 1-0 defeat against world champions Spain, leaving them needing a two-goal victory against Japan in their final group game to have a chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the match played in Nantes on Wednesday, Japan dominated with superior possession and took the lead in the 22nd minute through Maika Hamano. Mina Tanaka doubled Japan’s lead ten minutes later. Onyi Echegini of Juventus Ladies reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute with a well-taken shot, but Japan quickly restored their two-goal advantage through Hikaru Kitagawa in first-half injury time, making it 3-1.
The second half saw fewer chances for the Super Falcons, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie making several saves to prevent further goals from the Asian champions.
The Super Falcons’ performance highlighted their struggles in creating chances and scoring goals, managing only one goal and conceding five across three games. This poor showing has led critics to call for a restructuring of the team, as they ended their Olympic campaign without earning a single point.