Falcons working hard to make Nigeria proud–Ajibade

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade says the team will keep striving to make Nigeria proud at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Atletico Madrid forward spoke after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil in the Group C opening game at Stade Matmut-Atlantique, Bordeaux. She hailed the team’s overall performance against the South Americans, relishing the opportunity to captain the team at the Olympics.

“I give all the glory to God for being able to play and captain the team at the Olympics. This is a privilege that I am eternally grateful for and do not take for granted. Blessed. I am incredibly proud of the team for the effort we showed, but it just was not our day. We will keep working hard to achieve our goals and make the country proud. Thank you for all your support,” said the former FC Robo Queens of Lagos player.

After losing their opening game, the Super Falcons now must up the ante to come out unscathed in the second game against Spain on Monday, July 29. A win against the Spaniards will revive their qualification hopes; a loss will leave them on the cusp of exit, while a draw gives fighting chances to progress from the group ahead of the last match at the same venue on Wednesday, July 31.

In the group’s second game on Sunday, Brazil will be aiming for their second win against Japan, who lost 2-1 to Spain in their opening game at Parc des Princes in Paris. A win for Japan and Nigeria will automatically throw the group open, as all three teams will be tied on three points.

The Super Falcons put up a virtuoso display against Brazil but were largely undone by their inability to put the ball at the back of the net.

The game’s decisive moment came in the first half when Gabriela Nunes Da Silva unleashed a ferocious strike that proved to be the only goal of the contest.

A positive start by Randy Waldrum women saw Chiwendu Ihezuo miss Nigeria’s best chance of the game as the Super Falcons played second fiddle all through the encounter after plenty of attacking intent.

Nigeria had three big chances in quick succession, one of which was led by Ajibade, Nigeria’s best player, beating her marker before crossing for Ihezuo, whose header was saved by Brazil’s goalkeeper.

It was the Super Falcons’ best chance, and Ihezuo, who was favoured to start by a Nigerian legend, should have scored. However, the Samba Girls took control after those threatening moments, going on to control the game en route to another win against the 11-time African champions.

This result extends Brazil’s unbeaten run against Nigeria to four matches, continuing the Super Falcons’ struggles against the Samba Girls.