Super Falcons experience tense moment in France

Caretaker July 20, 2024

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A few members of Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, had a tense experience in France as they prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The team arrived in Bordeaux on Thursday after completing a training camp in Seville, Spain. Under the guidance of American head coach Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons were finalizing their strategy for their first Olympic appearance in 16 years.

The team wrapped up their training with a closed-door friendly match against Canada in Malaga. Although Nigeria lost 1-0 in regulation time, they triumphed 5-4 on penalties, as previously agreed regardless of the match’s outcome.

After departing from Spain on Friday, the team landed in Bordeaux via Paris, where they are set to start their Olympic campaign against Brazil on July 25.

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However, their stay at the hotel took a dramatic turn when players Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Tochukwu Oluehi, and a few others were trapped in an elevator.

A video posted by Uchenna Kanu shows the moment the Super Falcons were stuck in an elevator earlier today in Bordeaux. Despite the scare, the players remained calm until they were rescued. One player even vowed not to use the elevator again during their stay. After a few minutes, the elevator door was pried open, and the players continued to their rooms on foot.

Meanwhile, four alternate squad members of the team have returned to Nigeria. Alani Jumoke, Ademola Morufat, Gift Monday, and Regina Otu, who trained with the 18 main players, were named as substitutes in case of injuries. Ifeoma Onumonu, initially on the alternate list, was promoted to the main squad after Halimotu Ayinde’s injury ruled her out of the Olympics. Before departing, the alternate players visited the Nigerian Embassy in Paris on Friday.

Nigeria has been grouped with Brazil, world champions Spain, and Japan in the first round of the Olympics women’s football tournament. The Super Falcons have a record of one win and eight losses at the Olympics.