Paris 2024: Super Falcons have only one job in Nigeria vs Brazil Olympic opener - Ex-Gold medallist warns

Nigeria Super Falcons heading to the Olympics.

Paris 2024: Super Falcons have only one job in Nigeria vs Brazil Olympic opener - Ex-Gold medallist warns

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 13:20 - 25.07.2024

Nigeria's Super Falcons kick off their Paris 2024 Olympics journey with a cracker against Brazil.

Former Nigeria international Joseph Dosu has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Olympic encounter between the Nigeria Super Falcons and Brazil in Paris 2024.

The match marks Nigeria's return to Olympic football after a 16-year absence, as they pursue their first-ever gold medal in women’s football starting against the Samba Girls.

Super Falcons must take chances vs Brazil

Dosu, a gold medallist with Nigeria's Dream Team I in 1996, expressed confidence in the Super Falcons' preparation.

"We thank God there was no injury in the camp," he said, according to Complete Sports, highlighting the team's readiness for the challenge ahead.

Super Eagles legendary goalkeeper Dosu Joseph || Imago

The former goalkeeper emphasised the familiarity between the two sides, noting, "They have played Brazil before, so both teams are not just newcomers."

He believes this prior experience will be beneficial for both the coach and players in formulating their strategy.

Super Falcons will return to the Olympics after 16 years.
Super Falcons will return to the Olympics after 16 years. || Imago

Dosu stressed the importance of the opening game, advising the team to aim for at least a draw, if not a win.

However, he acknowledged the difficulty of the task, stating, "Playing against Brazil won't be an easy game, and Brazil playing against Nigeria won't also be easy for them either."

The battle for the final Olympic spot will come down to the Super Falcons of Nigeria against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum speaks to the team

The key to success, according to Dosu, lies in capitalising on opportunities.

"All I can say is that they should take their chances once they have it," he advised, expressing confidence in the team's youth and readiness.

var widgetLoaderConfig = widgetLoaderConfig || { CDN_URL: 'https://widgets.sportal365.com', APP_LINK: 'desktop', API_URL: 'https://africa.football.api.sportal365.com/', API_KEY: '2f852b4de2f3a5cf3188e74b33087bb4:2c18422f8e826a7d11aeed52edb2449e', LANG: 'en', REQUEST_INTERVAL: 30, ENABLE_BET_SLIP: false, AUTHOR: false, THEME: "light", TOURNAMENT_ORDER: "pulse_nigeria", LINK_OPTIONS_V2: { 'player' : { 'url': '/football/player/{playerId}' }, 'team' : { 'url': '/football/{teamId}' }, 'tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}' }, 'match': { 'url' : '/football/match/{matchId}', 'sort': { 'criteria': 'alphabetically', 'direction': 'asc' } }, 'configuration': { 'newWindow': false }, 'standings_tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}/standings' } } }; if (!document.querySelector('script[src="https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js"]')) { window.setTimeout(function () { let scriptCss = document.createElement('link'); scriptCss.href = 'https://www.pulsesports.ug/css/sport-widgets.css?v=1668785443'; scriptCss.rel = 'stylesheet'; scriptCss.type = 'text/css'; document.body.appendChild(scriptCss); let scriptTag = document.createElement('script'); scriptTag.src = 'https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js'; scriptTag.defer = true; scriptTag.onload = function () { window.setTimeout(function () { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }, 200); }; document.head.appendChild(scriptTag); }, 0); } else { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }

This upcoming match will be the third encounter between Nigeria and Brazil, and their second at the Olympic Games.

Their previous meetings saw Brazil emerge victorious on both occasions. In the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, Brazil won a thrilling match 4-3 after extra time.

Angelina of Brazil | Instagram

Their last Olympic encounter in Beijing 2008, Nigeria's last appearance, resulted in a more comfortable 3-1 victory for Brazil and the Super Falcons whose players are ready for battle will look for revenge.

As the Super Falcons prepare to face their formidable and familiar opponents once again, they'll be looking to overturn past results and make a strong start to their Olympic campaign.

Super Falcons stars in training led by the Payne sisters and Echegini. (Photo Credit: Super Falcons/X)
Super Falcons stars in training led by the Payne sisters and Echegini. (Photo Credit: Super Falcons/X)

With the blend of experience and youth led by Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade and PSG's new signing, Jennifer Echegini, in the squad, Nigeria's women's team aims to create history in Paris.

Related content