Super Falcons Struggle to Find the Net as Spain Secures Victory in Paris 2024

World champions Spain edged out Nigeria’s Super Falcons with a 1-0 win in their second Group C match of the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. A late, stunning long-range free kick by Alexia Putellas sealed the victory for Spain.

The Super Falcons, unfortunately, have now faced back-to-back defeats, while Spain boasts a perfect record with two wins from two games.

Falcons’ head coach Randy Waldrum made several changes, starting Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo. The team will next face Japan on Wednesday, July 31. Japan, recovering from their own defeat to Spain, clinched a 2-1 win over Brazil.

Spain nearly opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Lucia Garcia’s effort narrowly missed. In the 20th minute, Salma Paralluelo’s shot was expertly saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie. Esther Okoronkwo also came close for Nigeria just three minutes later but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Nnadozie was again called into action in the 25th minute, denying a powerful shot from Putellas. The Falcons’ best opportunity of the first half fell to Rasheedat Ajibade, who couldn’t convert her chance.

The second half saw Paralluelo racing forward only to be caught offside ten minutes in. The Falcons’ counterattack in the 69th minute was also thwarted by an offside call. Waldrum then made substitutions, bringing in Chiwendu Ihezuo and Nicole Payne for Oshoala and Michelle Alozie.

Putellas tried to chip Nnadozie in the 74th minute, but her attempt went over the crossbar. A dangerous cross into the Falcons’ area in the 74th minute was safely claimed by Nnadozie, who remained alert throughout.

Spain continued to press, coming close again in the 77th minute before Deborah Abiodun cleared for a corner. Irene Paredes’ header from the resulting corner narrowly missed the target. With ten minutes left, a goalmouth scramble almost saw Spain doubling their lead, but Nnadozie quickly recovered the loose ball.

Osinachi Ohale was a savior for the Falcons in the 81st minute, clearing the ball off the goal line. However, Spain finally broke through in the 85th minute when Putellas’ magnificent free kick flew over Nnadozie and into the net.

In stoppage time, Ihezuo had a solo run but her shot was saved by the Spanish goalkeeper, sealing Nigeria’s fate.

The Super Falcons will be looking to bounce back against Japan, aiming to secure their first points of the tournament.