The Super Falcons of Nigeria will, on July 25, 2024, commence their quest for a podium finish at the 2024 Olympic Games, taking on Brazil in their opening Group C encounter.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, with kickoff set for 6pm.
After a hiatus of 16 years, the Super Falcons are returning to action at the Olympics.
Tonight’s match marks the third encounter between Nigeria and Brazil.
Brazil emerged victorious in their initial encounter, securing a 4-3 win at the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The South Americans also secured a 3-1 victory in their most recent meeting at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Brazil will be captained by the legendary Marta, who has netted 118 goals in 183 appearances for the Samba Girls.
Meanwhile, Rasheedat Ajibade is the Captain of the Super Eagles.
The Super Falcons will also compete against current world champions Spain and former world champions Japan in their group.
The Falcons, led by Randy Waldrum, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Canada in their lone friendly before the Olympics.
Profile of Super Falcons
The Nigeria Super Falcons are the women’s national football team representing Nigeria.
They are one of the most successful women’s national teams in Africa, having consistently performed well in continental competitions and on the global stage.
The Super Falcons have won the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) a record 11 times, showcasing their dominance in African women’s football.
They have also participated in several FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, making significant strides to promote women’s football in Nigeria and across the continent.
Known for their skillful play, speed, and tactical prowess, the Super Falcons have been a source of pride for Nigerian football fans.
They have nurtured talented players who excelled both domestically and internationally.
Their contributions have significantly boosted the growth and development of women’s football in Nigeria.
In addition, the team have been influential in promoting gender equality and empowering women through sports in Nigeria.
They continue to inspire young girls across the country to pursue their dreams in football.
They embody the spirit of determination and excellence in doing so.
About Coach Randy Waldrum
Randy Waldrum is an American football coach.
Waldrum is the current head coach of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers women’s soccer team and the Nigeria women’s national team, Super Falcons.
Coaching Career
He has coached both men’s and women’s soccer teams at various universities, including the University of Tulsa, Baylor University and the University of Notre Dame.
He has also coached the Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League and the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team.
Achievements
Waldrum led the Notre Dame women’s soccer team to two national championships, in 2004 and 2010.
He also guided Nigeria to a successful FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in Australia and secured a berth in the upcoming Olympic tournament.
Controversy
Waldrum’s contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expired.
Presently, there has been a lack of clarity surrounding his position as the coach of the Nigeria women’s national team.
Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024
Group stage
Thursday, 25 July 2024
Group A: France v Colombia | 21:00 | Stade de Lyon (Match 1)
Group A: Canada v New Zealand | 17:00 | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne (Match 2)
Group B: USA v Zambia | 21:00 | Stade de Nice (Match 3)
Group B: Germany v Australia | 19:00 | Stade de Marseille (Match 4)
Group C: Spain v Japan | 17:00 | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes (Match 5)
Group C: Nigeria v Brazil | 19:00 | Stade de Bordeaux (Match 6)
Sunday, 28 July 2024
Group A: France v Canada | 21:00 | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne (Match 7)
Group A: New Zealand v Colombia | 17:00 | Stade de Lyon (Match 8)
Group B: USA v Germany | 21:00 | Stade de Marseille (Match 9)
Group B: Australia v Zambia | 19:00 | Stade de Nice (Match 10)
Group C: Spain v Nigeria | 19:00 | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes (Match 11)
Group C: Brazil v Japan | 17:00 | Parc des Princes, Paris (Match 12)
Wednesday, 31 July 2024
Group A: New Zealand v France | 21:00 | Stade de Lyon (Match 13)
Group A: Colombia v Canada | 21:00 | Stade de Nice (Match 14)
Group B: Australia v USA | 19:00 | Stade de Marseille (Match 15)
Group B: Zambia v Germany | 19:00 | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne (Match 16)
Group C: Brazil v Spain | 17:00 | Stade de Bordeaux (Match 17)
Group C: Japan v Nigeria | 17:00 | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes (Match 18)