Nigeria Women and Brazil Women will both be targeting three points when they face off at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique in Thursday’s Olympic clash.
Match Preview
The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to compete in their fourth Olympic Games, aiming to make a significant impact. Brazil, meanwhile, will be making their eighth appearance in the tournament, bringing a wealth of experience and ambition to the competition.
Nigeria’s Journey and Form
Nigeria showcased an impressive performance at the 2023 World Cup, advancing to the last 16 by collecting five points from their three group games, surpassing reigning Olympic champions Canada. The Super Falcons fought valiantly against England in the knockout stage but were ultimately eliminated in a penalty shootout.
Having successfully navigated three rounds of qualifying, Nigeria returns to the Olympics for the first time since 2008. They secured a 5-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia, followed by narrow 1-0 aggregate wins against Cameroon and South Africa. Drawn into a challenging group alongside Brazil, Japan, and Spain, the Super Falcons face a tough path to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2004 Olympics in Greece.
Brazil’s Journey and Form
In contrast, Brazil experienced a disappointing World Cup campaign, exiting in the group stage with just four points. Since then, the South Americans have undergone a coaching change, appointing Arthur Elias as Pia Sundhage’s successor. Elias will be aiming to lead Brazil to their first-ever gold medal in women’s football at the Olympics. Historically, Brazil has won silver medals in 2004 and 2008 and finished fourth in 1996, 2000, and 2016.
Before looking too far ahead, Brazil will focus on maintaining their perfect record of progressing from the Olympic group stage.
Team News
Nigeria’s head coach Randy Waldrum has named Gift Monday, Jumoke Alani, Regina Otu, and Morufa Ademola as alternate options. The main 18-player squad features a number of talented attackers, including Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, and Asisat Oshoala.
For Brazil, Arthur Elias has made some notable selections. Kansas City Current’s Debinha, part of the 2023 World Cup squad, is a significant exclusion. However, the squad includes the iconic forward Marta, the country’s all-time record scorer, set to participate in her final major international competition.
Possible Starting Lineups
Nigeria Women:
Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Okeke; Okoronkwo, Ucheibe, Kanu, T Payne, Ajibade; Oshoala.
Brazil Women:
Lorena; Antonia, Thais, Rafaelle Souza, Tamires; Marta, Yaya, Duda; Ludmila, Adriana, Cristiane.
Both teams come into this match with high stakes and significant ambitions. Nigeria aims to build on their recent World Cup performance and secure their first knockout stage appearance since 2004. Brazil, under new management, is looking to assert their dominance and start their journey towards an elusive Olympic gold. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as these two footballing nations clash at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique.
