Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Spain in their second match at the Paris Olympics made it back-to-back defeat for the Super Falcons after losing to Brazil in their opening match a couple of days ago.
The Super Falcons made a few changes to their last starting lineup against Brazil with Asisat Oshoala who made her first appearance at this Olympics and Esther Okoronkwo replacing Onyi Echegini and Chinwendu Ihezuo respectively.
The reigning World Champions displayed a high level of dominance in the first half, leaving little room for the Falcons to counterattack. The Spanish side’s attacking prowess led to four saves by the relentless Chiamaka Nnadozie in the latter stages.
Nigeria came close to scoring twice, with Esther Okoronkwo’s shot saved by Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll in the 22nd minute, and Rashidat Ajibade who was unable to complete the pass from Oshoala in the 35th minute.
In the second half, Spain continued from where they stopped with Salma Paralluelo capitalising on a free kick done by teammate Teresa Duenas but the victory was shortlived as the goal was ruled offside by the VAR.
Oshoala made a solo run towards Spain’s goal area, passing the ball to Ajibade but once again she blew the opportunity to put Nigeria in the lead as she couldn’t hit the target in the 65th minute.
In the 85th minute, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas delivered a free kick that gave Spain the lead. During additional minutes, Substitute Ihezuo got a one-on-one chance to equalise for Nigeria but Spain’s goalkeeper blocked the ball.
Nigeria currently sits bottom of their group with zero points while Spain sits comfortably on top with 6 points. Nigeria is the only team in Group C that has yet to win a match or score a goal.
