Stade de la Beaujoire to host Nigeria vs. Spain clash, 26 Years after classic World Cup match
On Sunday evening, the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes will once again host a high-stakes football match featuring Nigeria and Spain, rekindling memories of their memorable 1998 FIFA World Cup encounter.
As captured in a release by the NFF Communications department, In June 1998, Spain and Nigeria faced off at this very stadium. Spain, one of the tournament’s favorites, went ahead with a free-kick goal from Fernando Hierro in the 21st minute. Nigeria’s Mutiu Adepoju equalized with a header three minutes later. Raul Gonzalez then put Spain back in the lead early in the second half.
Nigeria’s Garba Lawal saw his cross turned into an own goal by Spain’s goalkeeper Andoni Zubizaretta in the 73rd minute. Five minutes later, Sunday Oliseh scored one of the World Cup’s most iconic goals from long range, which was crucial in the 3-2 victory for Nigeria.
Fast forward to the present, and the two teams will meet again in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament during the 33rd Olympiad. Spain, the reigning World Cup champions, are leading Group C with a 2-1 victory over Japan. Nigeria, on the other hand, lost 1-0 to Brazil in their first match and need a win to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
With no injuries reported, Nigeria’s Coach Randy Waldrum might retain most of the squad from the Brazil game, although a tactical change could see Michelle Alozie starting at left-back and Nicole Payne on the right.
