Ajibade Olusesan 
Ajibade Rasheedat of Nigeria during the Women’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games match between Nigeria and Brazil at Stade Matmut Atlantique on July 25, 2024 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Loic Cousin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade will lead the Super Falcons in their crucial second match at the 2024 Olympics, aiming for a victory against reigning world champions Spain. This follows a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their opening game.
Nigeria’s return to the Olympics marks their first appearance since participating in three consecutive Games from 2000 to 2008. The Super Falcons are striving to reach the knockout stages for the second time, having last accomplished this in 2004.
However, their journey hit a roadblock with Thursday’s defeat to Brazil, where Gabi Nunes scored the decisive goal. This was Nigeria’s first competitive loss in regulation time since the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff against Zambia.
Despite conceding only two goals in their last six matches, Nigeria’s attack line has struggled, with just two goals scored in the same period. Ajibade, a key figure for the Nigerian women’s team, is determined to galvanize her teammates and enhance their prospects of advancing in the tournament.
Coach Randy Waldrum is expected to maintain a defensive lineup featuring Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, and Chidinma Okeke. Deborah Abiodun will likely keep her spot in midfield alongside Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe. In attack, Esther Okoronkwo may start after a halftime substitution against Brazil.
The match against Spain, scheduled for Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, marks the first encounter between the two teams and will be broadcast live on DStv channel 203 and GOtv channel 61 at 6 pm.
Spain, making their Olympic debut after winning the inaugural Women’s Euro Nations League, are strong contenders for their first Olympic gold. The Super Falcons, appearing in their fourth Olympics, currently sit at the bottom of their group following the 1-0 loss to Brazil, while Spain leads with three points from a 2-1 victory over Japan. A third-place finish in the group might still secure qualification, but a loss would severely diminish Nigeria’s chances of advancing.
Spain’s formidable form since their World Cup victory includes nine wins in their last ten matches. Nigeria, eleven-time African champions, face a daunting task against a star-studded Spanish team led by World Cup Golden Ball and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, who scored in their win over Japan.
Ajibade, a persistent threat against Brazil, will need more support upfront if Nigeria hopes to secure a positive result against Spain.
