Team Nigeria’s last group match in women’s football against Japan ended in a significant loss at La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes. This marks their third consecutive defeat in Group C of the Paris Olympics.
Nigeria’s coach Randy Waldrum kept the 4-2-3-1 formation used against Spain, but made a small change by placing Asisat Oshoala in the striker position. Esther Okoronkwo stayed on the bench, while Onyi Echegini played well as an attacking midfielder.
The Japanese team used a 5-3-2 formation to outplay the Super Falcons, scoring a goal in the 22nd minute to take control. Despite Nigeria having more possession, they couldn’t stop Chelsea forward Maika Hamano’s early goal, which was followed by another from Mina Tanaka 10 minutes later.
Onyi Echegini scored a goal with a pass from Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe, making it 2-1. However, Japan’s Hikaru Kitagawa scored again about five minutes into extra time in the first half. The first half ended with a score of 3-1. Before this, the Super Falcons struggled to prevent goals in the first half.
In the second half, the coach made a few changes, bringing in Toni Payne for Chidinma Okeke and Oshoala for Chinwendu Ihezuo. This significantly helped the Super Falcons strengthen their defense and prevent any further goals.
Unfortunately, the Nigerian women’s team couldn’t find the net of the Japanese and lost their chance to advance in the tournament. They finished at the bottom of the table with no points, while Spain topped the group.
