Nine-time African Champions, Nigeria, will begin their search for Olympic glory, Tomorrow, July 25, 2024, when they confront the 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Brazil at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium by 18:00 Nigerian time.

Brazil defeated Nigeria 1-3 in their last meeting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, with Cristiane netting a first-half treble to cancel out Perpetua Nkwocha’s 19′ spot kick at the Beijing Workers’ Stadium. Brazil went on to win the silver medal and 2008 was the last Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Nigeria participated in.

Nigeria vs Brazil at the 2008 Olympics

The Super Falcons’ results in the 2008 Olympics, were three losses on a trot; 0-1 against the Korean Democratic People’s Republic, 0-1 against Germany, and 1-3 against Brazil, as mentioned above, which saw them exit the competition in the group stage. On their return, the Falcons boast of being more tactically sound and will be ready for the challenge that awaits.

The Super Falcons who put up an impressive showing in the 2023 World Cup, defeating Australia, and playing out a draw against Canada and the Republic of Ireland before bowing to defeat England on penalties, face an uphill task in Group C of the Olympics.

Group C features – Brazil; gold medalists in 1996 and silver in 2004 and 2008. Spain; Current World Champions, who would be looking to make history as the first team ever to win the World Cup and Olympic gold in successive years. And Japan; Silver medalists at the London 2012 Olympics, who at the 2023 World Cup, finished first in Group C which had Spain, Zambia and Costa Rica, winning all three group games, scoring 11 goals and conceding none. Japan’s technical mastery made a strong impression in particular in her 4-0 victory against Spain, the eventual champion.

Nigeria’s most successful Women’s Olympic Football Tournament performance was in Athens 20 years ago, when the Super Falcons placed sixth after losing in the quarterfinals.

The 2004 quarter-finalists will look to come out on the winning end in games against notable opponents Brazil at the Stade Bordeaux, Spain and Japan at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on the 28th and 31st, respectively.

If Nigeria makes it through to the knockout stages, here are the key dates to be aware of:

August 3: Quarter-finals
August 6: Semi-finals
August 9: Bronze medal match
August 10: Gold medal match

Nigeria’s Squad

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Chinonyerem Macleans (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Alternate Players: Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA); Gift Monday (Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels)