Paris Olympics: Super Falcons eliminated after 3-1 loss to Japan
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been eliminated from the women’s football event at the 2024 Paris Olympics following a 3-1 defeat to Japan in their final Group C match at La Beaujoire Stadium, Nantes.
The result marks Nigeria’s third consecutive loss in the group stage, leaving them at the bottom of the table with zero points. Over their three matches, the Falcons conceded five goals and managed to score only one.
The team’s hopes of advancing depended on a convincing victory against Japan, with a required margin of at least three goals. However, their game plan fell short, leading to an early setback when Japan’s Hamano Maika scored in the 22nd minute. Tanaka Mina then doubled Japan’s lead shortly after.
Nigeria briefly revived their hopes when Jennifer Echegini scored in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on a well-executed give-and-go with Asisat Oshoala. Echegini’s goal was the Falcons’ only goal of the tournament, showcasing a moment of potential recovery.
However, Japan’s Kitagawa Hikaru extinguished any hopes of a comeback by scoring a free kick right before halftime, sealing a 3-1 victory for the Japanese team.
As it stands, Spain finish top of the group with nine points after defeating Brazil, Japan take second place.
