As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris continues, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have commenced preparations for their return to the Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence. With just 18 days to their opening match against Brazil in Bordeaux, the team has set up camp in Jerez de la Frontera, near Sevilla, Spain.
According to a press release by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Super Falcons’ camp has come alive with most of the invited players already present. On Monday morning, 12 players attended breakfast, and Team Administrator Mary Oboduku confirmed that two more players were expected to arrive at the Hotel Barceló Montecastillo Golf and Resort by the afternoon.
“We started training on Sunday, and the camp is calm. The players are in very high spirits as they look forward to the tournament in France,” Oboduku told the NFF.
Leading the squad are team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Joining them are goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, defenders Chidinma Okeke and Nicole Payne, midfielders Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, and Jennifer Echegini, and forward Esther Okoronkwo. Alternate players, goalkeeper Morufa Ademola and forward Gift Monday, are also in camp. Defenders Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie were expected to arrive by Monday afternoon.
The nine-time African champions, who last participated in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in China in 2008, are set to face reigning Olympic champions Canada in a training match in Sevilla on Wednesday, July 17th. Canada clinched the gold medal in Tokyo three years ago, defeating Sweden 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.
In their last Olympic appearance, the Falcons suffered losses to Korea Democratic People’s Republic, Germany, and Brazil. Women’s football debuted as a demonstration sport at the Olympics in 1996, with the Super Falcons making their first appearance in 2000 in Australia.
The Super Falcons’ best performance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament was in Athens in 2004, where they finished in 6th place after reaching the quarter-finals. As they prepare for their upcoming matches, the team is eager to make a significant impact in Paris.
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