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Nigeria's Super Falcons lost their Paris 2024 opener against Brazil without the talented defender Ashleigh Plumptre.
The absence of defender Ashleigh Plumptre was a major talking point for Nigerians following the Super Falcons' 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite a valiant effort, the Nigerian women's national team fell to a solitary goal from Gabrielle Nunes Da Silva in the first half on Thursday evening in Bordeaux.
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21:25 - 25.07.2024
Nigeria vs Spain: Time and where to watch Super Falcons 2nd Paris 24 Olympics game
After the defeat to Brazil, here is the time and where to watch the Super Falcons of Nigeria take on Spain in their 2nd Paris 2024 Olympics game.
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Nigerians rue Plumptre-less Super Falcons
Nigerians, however, were quick to point out that the team's performance was hampered by the lack of Plumptre in the backline.
"Ashleigh Plumptre, I miss you," one fan lamented on social media, echoing the sentiments of many.
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Another supporter suggested that had Plumptre been on the pitch, the outcome might have been different, writing, "Alozie right and Plumptre left, and we would have been cooking something here."
Even former Pulse Sports Nigeria Senior Editor, Solace Chukwu, joined the chorus of criticism, stating, "Ashleigh Plumptre, you are missed. Chidinma Okeke is having a difficult evening here."
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Plumptre, who has been a key figure in the Falcons setup since switching her allegiance, missed the game due to a foot injury she sustained with her club, Al-Ittihad, which required surgery.
The absence of the versatile defender, who can play both at full-back and in the centre of defence, was felt by the Nigerian team as they struggled to contain the threat of the Brazilian attackers.
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Nigerians were also disappointed by the performance of Chiwendu Ihezuo, who was handed a starting role, with one fan stating, "They miss Plumptre and Ihezuo shouldn't have started."
The Super Falcons, who are making their first Olympic appearance since 2008, were drawn into a challenging group against the might of Brazil, Spain and Japan.
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They will hope to bounce back in their next game against Spain on July 28 in Nantes.
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