Asisat Oshoala Benched, Gabi Nunes Helps Brazil Beat Super Falcons in Paris 2024 Olympics Tie

• The Super Falcons of Nigeria got off their Paris Olympics 2024 campaign to a losing start
• Gabi Nunes' first-half goal was enough for South American powerhouse Brazil to win it
• The result leaves the Super Falcons in a difficult place after Spain beat Japan in the other match

The Super Falcons of Nigeria began their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign with a 1-0 loss to Brazil in the second game of Group C at the Bordeaux stadium.

Randy Waldrum named a starting 11, left out African Women's Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala on the bench, and handed her zero minutes despite needing a goal.

It was the Super Falcons’ first appearance at the summer games since 2008, and as it was in Beijing, China, 16 years ago, Brazil defeated the African giants.

Gabi Nunes helps Brazil beat Nigeria

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The encounter was even in the early stages, with Lorena Leite pulling off a fantastic save from Chinwendu Ihezuo to deny the eleven-time African champions an early lead.

Veteran attacker Marta opened the scoring in the 35th minute. She thought she had scored in her sixth straight Olympics tournament, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Two minutes later, she turned provider after assisting Levante UD striker Gabi Nunes to open the scoreline. The goal was enough to sink the Falcons and propel the Canarinhas.

Randy Waldrum’s side chased the game for the rest of the match and could not find an equaliser despite almost matching their opponents in possession and chances created.

The result leaves the Super Falcons on the brink with Spain and Brazil at three points each after the world champions beat Japan 2-1 in the other group match.

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Nigeria will face world champions Spain in a must-win match on Sunday, while Brazil and Japan will play each other. Their final group game is against Japan.

Rohr cheered the Super Falcons on

Legit.ng reported that former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr was spotted in the stadium cheering for the Falcons during their 1-0 defeat to Brazil.

The Franco-German manager predicted a Nigerian victory with a 2-1 scoreline, but unfortunately, it was not to be, as the South Americans ran away with a 1-0 win.

Source: Legit.ng