Joe
The Super Falcons displayed tremendous guts and gumption, but a 37th-minute strike by Gabi Nunes separated the two-time Olympic silver medalists from the nine-time African champions as the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament kicked off in roaring fashion on Thursday.
Rasheedat Ajibade led the Falcons onto the turf of Stade Matmut Atlantique, marking Nigeria’s return to the tournament after 16 years. Ajibade impressed with excellent runs down the left side against the South Americans, but her teammates failed to capitalize on her efforts as she repeatedly sent the ball into the box.
Ajibade’s brave run in the 7th minute was blocked, and in the 16th minute, she initiated a double-barreled attack on the Brazilian goal, only for Chinwendu Ihezuo’s shot to be blocked and Christy Ucheibe’s follow-up punched away.
In the 20th minute, Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from the rampaging Portilho and then read well a long-range drive by Gabi Nunes five minutes later. The Brazilian captain Marta thought she had given her team the lead in the 36th minute, but her strike past Nnadozie was ruled offside.
Moments later, Gabi Nunes, set free by a brilliant pass from Marta, fired past Nnadozie, with the ball ricocheting in off the underside of the bar, putting Brazil ahead.
In the closing moments, the Falcons launched a sweet team move, but Jennifer Echegini’s shot went over the goalpost.
On the hour mark, Marta’s dipping curl from the left was thwarted by the upright, and Nnadozie saved from Ludmila three minutes later.
Ajibade forced another smart save from the Brazilian goalkeeper in the 71st minute, and Ucheibe did the same with minutes left. However, the Canarinhas held on to secure all three points.
Next up for the Super Falcons is a clash with world champions Spain, who defeated Japan 2-1 in Group C’s opener. The match will take place in Nantes on Sunday evening.
