Today, the Stade Matmut-Atlantique will host the Olympic clash as Nigeria Women face off against Brazil Women, with both teams eager to secure three points in this critical match.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are entering their fourth Olympic tournament, buoyed by an impressive run at the 2023 World Cup.
They advanced to the last 16, securing five points from their group games and surpassing reigning Olympic champions Canada.
Although they pushed England to a penalty shootout in the last 16, they fell short.
Now, having successfully navigated three rounds of qualifying, including a notable 5-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia, and 1-0 wins over both Cameroon and South Africa, they are set to compete in the Olympics for the first time since 2008.
Brazil, on the other hand, had a disappointing 2023 World Cup, exiting in the group stage with just four points.
In the aftermath, Arthur Elias replaced Pia Sundhage as head coach, aiming to lead Brazil to their first-ever gold medal in women’s Olympic football.
Brazil has twice won silver, in 2004 and 2008, and finished fourth in 1996, 2000, and at their home Olympics in 2016.
Nigeria’s coach Randy Waldrum has named Gift Monday, Jumoke Alani, Regina Otu, and Morufa Ademola as alternates. His 18-player squad boasts talented attackers like Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, and Asisat Oshoala.
In their last Olympic encounter in 2008, Brazil secured a 3-1 victory over Nigeria.
This time, the Super Falcons are looking for redemption and a strong start in a challenging group that includes formidable opponents like Brazil, Spain, and Japan. Nigeria will need top-notch performances to advance to the knockout stages.
Brazil’s Arthur Elias has left out Kansas City Current’s Debinha from the squad but included the legendary Marta, who is set to compete in her final major international tournament.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM Nigerian time, and the match will be broadcast live on Supersport.