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Can the Super Falcons of Nigeria rise to the occasion and shock defending World Champion Spain in their second Olympic football match?
Nigeria's Super Falcons will file out against Spain in their second outing of the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics football game.
The decisive match will take place on Sunday, July 28th, at 6:00 PM Nigerian time in Nantes, France.
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The Super Falcons lost their opening game, a 1-0 defeat to Brazil, while Spain came from a goal down to defeat Japan 2-1.
It will be the first time Nigeria will be coming up against another European heavyweight after bowing out of the 2022 FIFA Women's Cup via penalties to England.
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12:34 - 27.07.2024
Spain vs Nigeria: Oshoala, Ajibade to lead attack, Super Falcons' possible lineup against World Champions
Randy Waldrum is expected to include Asisat Oshoala in the starting lineup to boost his attack against the World Champions on Sunday.
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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.
However, reigning World Champions Spain are heavy favourites to take all three points in this group C encounter, but the Super Falcons have the resources to hurt the Spaniards.
Coach Randy Waldrum and his team can pull a big upset and defeat Spain if they make some tactical switches. Here are some of them;
1. Score the first goal
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Goals can change the complexity of a game and it's a great confidence booster for any team.
If Nigeria wants to get anything against Spain, then the team must be clinical in front of goal and draw first blood against Spain.
I know someone will quickly say Japan scored first against Spain but still ended up losing. Yes, that's correct but that's where the next tactic comes in.
2. Deny Spain time on the ball
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Immediately Japan scored first against Spain; they sat back and allowed Aitana Bonmati and co. dictate the pace of the game.
The Super Falcons must not repeat this mistake and should utilise their superior strength to outmuscle the Spaniards, denying them time and space on the ball.
The midfield duo of Abiodun Deborah and Christy Ucheibe must ensure they quickly win back possession once the ball is lost.
Denying Spain's midfield time on the ball to pick out a killer pass will definitely frustrate them and will be an advantage to the Super Falcons.
3. Bench Oshoala and Alozie
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Yes, I know you're surprised by this. Nigeria lacked a clinical finisher in the game against Brazil, but Oshoala might still not be the answer.
The Super Falcons have had a goalscoring problem that dates back to the 2022 FIFA Women's World Cup, where they only managed to score 3 goals against Australia.
Uchenna Kanu and Jennifer Echeghini should get the nod to lead the line, supported by Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo from the wings.
Nicole Payne had a decent game when she came on against Brazil and should replace Alozie at right back.
Nigeria's defensive pair of Osinachi Ohale and Gloria Demehin have been impressive so far. The only issue in the backline is the left-back.
Chidinma Okeke didn't cover herself in glory and was the weak line in the game against Brazil. Coach Randy Waldrum would need to have a word with her or find a perfect replacement.
4. Play to Ajibade's strength
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In the game against Brazil, Athletico de Madrid striker Rasheedat Ajibade was Nigeria's best player by a mile - sometimes, she appeared too quick for her teammates.
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14:44 - 26.07.2024
Nigeria vs Brazil: 5 things we learnt as Super Falcons lose on return to Olympic Games
Here are five things that you might have missed from Nigeria's loss to Brazil in the opening match of the 2024 Olympic Games
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08:10 - 26.07.2024
Paris 2024: Nigeria 0-1 Brazil - Randy Waldrum's biggest mistakes in Super Falcons' loss in Olympics opener
A wicked goal from Brazil saw Randy Waldrum and his Nigeria Super Falcons kick off the Paris 2024 Olympics with a painful defeat.
On numerous occasions, Ajibade dribbled past her opponents on the right and got into good positions, but there was no one to receive a pass from her.
She was solid throughout, dropping deep to help the defense, and was Nigeria's most dangerous player going forward.
Coach Randy Waldrum should find a system that leverages the brilliance of the 24-year-old attacker.
5. Don't show Spain respect
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Yes, you read it correctly. There's no reason for the Super Falcons to show Spain any respect.
It is football and in the game of football, anybody - including a clear favourite like Spain can be beaten.
Sweden showed that at the 2022 FIFA Women's World Cup, they eliminated serial winners, the USA.
Who says Nigeria cannot shock Spain? After all, the Super Eagles did so at France 1998.
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