The Super Falcons have been eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympics following a 3-1 defeat to Japan in their final Group C match. This loss marks a disappointing end to Nigeria’s campaign, having failed to secure a win in any of their group-stage games.
In their bid to advance to the quarter-finals, Nigeria faced Japan on July 31, 2024, at La Beaujoire Stadium. The Super Falcons, who had already lost their opening matches against Brazil and Spain, needed a win to keep their hopes alive. However, Japan’s clinical performance dashed these hopes.
Japan took control of the match early, with Hamano Maika scoring the opener in the 22nd minute. Tanako Maina then extended Japan’s lead with a superbly executed free-kick in the 32nd minute, beating Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Despite Japan’s dominance, Nigeria managed to find the back of the net just before halftime. Jennifer Echegini’s strike in the 42nd minute briefly revived hopes of a comeback. However, any dreams of a dramatic turnaround were shattered when Kitagawa Hakaru scored for Japan deep into added time, restoring the Asian side’s two-goal advantage.
The second half saw Nigeria’s relentless effort to turn the game around, but their attempts were in vain as Japan managed to maintain their lead and prevented any further goals. Nigeria’s performance was marked by persistent effort but ultimately fell short against a well-organized Japanese team.
With this result, Nigeria finishes at the bottom of Group C with zero points, having lost all three of their group-stage matches. The team conceded five goals and scored only once throughout the tournament. Spain, who won 2-0 against Brazil in the other group match, topped the group, while Japan secured the second spot. Brazil ended up in third place.
This marks Nigeria’s first appearance in the women’s football event at the Olympics in 16 years, a long-awaited return that ended in disappointment.
