Sports
Paris 2024: Super Falcons lose 1-0 to Spain
Alexia Patellas scored a superb free-kick as Spain defeated Nigeria 1-0 in a keenly contested Group C encounter in Nantes on Sunday.
Nigeria sat back allowing La Roja to dominate possession early in the game.
The world champions, however, failed to break down the Nigerian defence led by the experienced Osinachi Ohale.
Esther Okoronkwo came close to breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute.
The forward was set up by Rasheedat Ajibade but her goal-bound effort was saved by Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll.
Ajibade wasted a glorious chance for Nigeria nine minutes before the break.
The Atletico Madrid winger was played through on goal by Oshoala but she failed to get the ball under control.
Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a stunning save to deny Lucia Garcia in the 45th minute.
Spain continued their dominance after the break with Salma Paralluello having a goal chalked off for offside in the 53rd minute.
Ajibade wasted another chance in the 65th minute, shooting wide from inside the box.
Osinachi Ohale made a superb block to deny Aitana Bonmati 10 minutes from time.
Patellas’ sublime free kick, however, beat Nnadozie in the 85th minute for the winning goal.
Substitute Chiwendu Ihezuo missed a glorious chance to equalise for Nigeria in stoppage time.
The Super Falcons will face Japan in their last group game on Wednesday.
Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will do battle in an invitational tournament tagged ‘Unity Cup’ in London in May.
The Reggae Boys of Jamaica and Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago will face-off in the first semi-final on Tuesday, May 27.
West African rivals, Nigeria and Ghana will clash in the second semi-final on Wednesday, May 28.
The third-place match and final will be played on Saturday, May 31.
The overall winners will will lift The Unity Cup 2025.
Nigeria will also face Russia in a friendly in June.
The three-time African champions will use the matches to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen is not interested in a move to Serie A giants Juventus, DAILY POST reports.
Osimhen is reportedly one of Juventus’ target for the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old is, however, targeting a move to a Premier League club, according to JuveFC.
The powerful striker joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli last September.
Osimhen will be available for a €75m clause this summer.
He has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Osimhen has scored 20 goals in 23 league appearances for Galatasaray this season.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle says it is important for the team to beat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa if they must qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana will host Nigeria in a matchday eight encounter in September.
Hugo Broos’ side lead Group C with 13 points after six matches, six points clear of Super Eagles.
There are four rounds of matches left in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle admitted that the Super Eagles are condemned to win all their remaining matches.
“It’s an obligation we win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo,” Eric Chelle told SCORENigeria
“South Africa are a good side, but for that game we cannot afford to allow them play.
“But first we have to beat Rwanda at home and then we will focus on the game in South Africa.”
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