Julius OkorieSuper Falcons will file out today in a make or break encounter with Japan at the ongoing 33rd Olympics. The Randy Waldrum tutored side lost two earlier group matches against Brazil and Spain and are now left with a must win clash against Japan to have a slight chance of moving to the quarterfinals.
Twelve countries are participating in the women football event divided into three groups.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTwo top teams are expected to emerge from each group make six teams qualifying on merit, while the last two teams to complete quarterfinal pairings will come from two best losers.
As it stands United States and Spain have already booked their places in the quarterfinals event with a game to spare. Both countries already have six points in the kitty after winning two earlier matches.
Despite their slim chance of progressing, Super Falcons coach ,Randy Waldrum, insists his girls can still turn the table.
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“We lost to two of the best teams in the world. Spain is the top team in the world and Brazil are in the top 10,” the American coach said via ESPN.
“We have shown that we could have got something out of those matches. It shows we can play against anybody in the world.”
Super Falcons are banking on two possibilities that Brazil beat already qualified Spain and the history to favour them once more dating back to 2004 Olympics in Athens when the Falcons earned a lone goal win over Japan.
Outside that, both teams have met twice during International friendlies. Japan won twice, with a 2-0 scoreline
Japan will be without defender, Risa Shimizu, who suffered a knee injury in their opening match against Spain.
Momoko Tanikawa, who impressed as a substitute against Brazil, could be rewarded with a starting position. Additionally, Riko Ueki, who played over 30 minutes as a substitute in the previous game, is in contention to start.
On the Nigerian side ,there are strong indications that Waldrum will retain the starting lineup that gave Spain a run for their strength despite the lone goal defeat.
Can Super Falcons Turn The Table Against Japan?
The truth of the matter is that Falcons will either exit today or progress into the quarterfinals by chance. The match against Japan comes up at 4pm.
Waldrum, is the second coach, after the late Ismaila Mabo, to lead the Super Falcons to both the World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Second African representatives, Copper Queens of Zambia, are also set to exit the Olympics as they take on Germany after losing two earlier matches, conceding nine goals against United States and Australia.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
