Five takeaways from Nigeria’s tough defeat to Japan and exit from the Paris Olympics: ‘Jenni in the record books’

Five takeaways from Nigeria’s tough defeat to Japan and exit from the Paris Olympics: ‘Jenni in the record books’

Nigeria’s Super Falcons lost to Japan 3-1 in Nantes on Wednesday, and as a result, they were eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the group round, according to Soccernet.ng. These are the five lessons learned from the loss. Nigeria’s ongoing inability to focus Nigeria’s Olympic journey in Paris in 2024 will be characterized by the Super Falcons’ inability to focus during crucial situations.

The Super Falcons played a strong defensive game for much of the match against Brazil and Spain, giving up goals that seemed to come out of nowhere. The similar issue showed itself on Wednesday against Japan, when Nigeria conceded three goals in the first half of a game they really needed to win. The Super Falcons defense appeared to have taken a slumber during Japan’s opening two goals.

After Nigeria had done a good job of closing the deficit, the third goal arrived in the last seconds of the half. A switch-off like that against a clinical side like Japan was bound to result in consequences. Jennifer Echegini breaks Olympic records for Nigeria. There was a small cause for celebration amidst the disappointment, so it was not all bad news. Jennifer Echegini became just the fourth player in the history of the competition to score a goal for Nigeria when she scored the nation’s first goal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Mercy Akide, who has four Olympic goals, is still Nigeria’s best. Perpetual Nkwocha scored one in 2004 while Vera Okolo managed two before bowing out. Now Echegini is a part of that distinguished group.

Nigeria ought to have left the Olympics. When the Super Falcons won the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year, they stunned the world by going undefeated against strong opponents like Canada, Australia, and England. Although many anticipated that the Super Falcons would replicate that achievement at the Olympics, they have not impressed. After being paired with world champions Spain, South American champions Brazil, and Asian champions Japan, it was undoubtedly going to be a tough battle. Nonetheless, Nigeria would have most certainly advanced to the quarterfinals with a single victory against either of these nations. Sadly, in amongst a plethora of missed opportunities and defensive lapses, the Falcons can look back and honestly say that they should have been eliminated from the Olympics.

New goal queen needed for the Super Falcons Tosin Demehin is a superb defender for Nigeria, and Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, and Christy Ucheibe are outstanding midfielders. With the likes of Rasheedat Ajibade, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Asisat Oshoala, the attack quality is also relatively high. But none of Nigeria’s strikers this year can assure you of a consistent goal, and the Super Falcons have had trouble getting the ball into the opposition’s goal this season. Nigeria managed just one goal in three Olympic games and just one in two qualifying matches versus South Africa thanks to Ajibade’s penalty. It is not acceptable. Coach Randy Waldrum obviously has to find a fresh, free-scoring striker that resembles the legendary Perpetual Nkwocha. Perhaps it is the right time to elevate young Esther Ajakaye and Esther Onyenezide to the senior team.

Nigeria has a promising future. The Super Falcons have one advantage in that Randy Waldrum has assembled a youthful team with plenty of talent despite their inexperience. The following are all under 23: Ajibade, Demehin, Abiodun, Ucheibe, Echegini, and Nnadozie. They will have more time to practice together, bond over games, and develop into a stronger unit. The Super Falcons will have a greater effect than they have these past several months when these young players represent their country at the next World Cup and Olympics.

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