Spain Defeats Former African Champions, Nigeria, in Olympic Football
The Nigerian women’s football team, the Super Falcons, suffered a setback in their campaign at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. They were defeated 1-0 by Spain in a Group C match. To keep their Olympic hopes alive, the Super Falcons must now secure a victory against Japan in their final group stage game on Wednesday.
The loss to Spain means that Nigeria is now in a do-or-die situation in their upcoming match against Japan. Japan currently sits in second place in Group C with three points, following their 2-1 victory over Brazil. Brazil, also on three points, trails behind Japan due to an inferior goal difference.
Spain secured a place in the quarterfinals with a crucial win over Nigeria. The only goal of the match came from Alexia Putellas, a two-time World Player of the Year, who scored a remarkable free kick in the 85th minute, leaving Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, with no chance.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s table tennis player, Quadri Aruna, also suffered a defeat. He lost 4-3 to Romanian teenager Eduard Ionescu in the Round of 64 contest of the men’s singles event. Aruna, a four-time Olympian, initially seemed poised for an easy win after capturing the first three sets, but ultimately could not maintain his lead.