Nigeria Women and Brazil Women will face off at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique in Thursday’s Olympic clash, with both teams eager to secure three points.
This match marks Nigeria’s fourth appearance at the Olympics and Brazil’s eighth, highlighting the experience and ambitions of both squads.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a commendable performance at the 2023 World Cup, advancing to the last 16 after accumulating five points in the group stage and finishing ahead of reigning Olympic champions Canada.
Despite a narrow defeat to England in a penalty shootout, Nigeria’s journey to the Olympics was marked by victories over Ethiopia, Cameroon, and South Africa, securing their spot in the prestigious tournament for the first time since 2008.
Drawn in a challenging group with Brazil, Japan, and Spain, the Super Falcons will need to overcome tough competition to advance to the knockout stages for the first time since the 2004 Olympics in Greece.
In contrast, Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, as they exited during the group stage with just four points.
The South American team has since undergone a leadership change, with Arthur Elias taking over as head coach from Pia Sundhage.
Elias is tasked with steering Brazil toward their first-ever gold medal in the women’s football event at the Olympics, following previous silver medals in 2004 and 2008 and fourth-place finishes in 1996, 2000, and 2016.
Brazil is determined to maintain their perfect record of progressing from the Olympic group stage, and they will be looking to their experienced players, including all-time record scorer Marta, who is set to participate in her final major international competition.
Given the teams’ form, with Nigeria Women (WDWWDL) and Brazil Women (WLLWWW), Brazil is predicted to edge out Nigeria in a closely contested match.
The game will be live on NBS Sport starting at 6 PM, EAT.
