National Teams
Spain 1-0 Nigeria: Super Falcons players’ ratings in unfortuate loss to La Roja
By Wale Mustapha
Nigeria’s Super Falcons faced their second consecutive defeat at the 2024 Paris Olympics, succumbing to a 1-0 loss against world champions Spain on Sunday.
Alexia Putellas’ late free-kick secured La Furia Roja’s passage to the next round, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes in the tournament.
Nigeria Football makes a review of the performances of Coach Randy Waldrum’s players in the disappointing defeat:
Chiamaka Nnadozie – 8/10
The Paris FC goalkeeper was outstanding throughout the match, making crucial interceptions and at least three significant saves to keep the Super Falcons in the game. However, she will be disappointed not to have kept out Alexia Putellas’ decisive free-kick.
Michelle Alozie – 7/10
Alozie stepped up her game compared to the match against Brazil, effectively neutralizing Spain’s left wingers until she was substituted. Her duels were spot-on.
Chidinma Okeke – 7/10
An improved performance from the left-back, who was difficult to beat, contrasting with her display against Brazil.
Oluwatosin Demehin – 8/10
Demehin was solid, excelling in aerial contests and pushing forward to support the attack when needed.
Osinachi Ohale – 8/10
The busiest of the Nigerian defenders, Ohale kept Salma Paralluelo quiet and made a fantastic block in the second half to deny Putellas.
Deborah Abiodun – 8.5/10
Abiodun was a standout player, intercepting passes and disrupting Spanish play with her timely interventions.
Christy Ucheibe – 7.5/10
The Benfica midfielder impressed with her performance, distributing passes effectively and forming a solid defensive shield when needed.
Rasheedat Ajibade – 6/10
Ajibade wasn’t as dominant as in the match against Brazil but still troubled the world champions at times. She could have won a penalty in the first half and went close to scoring on another occasion.
Asisat Oshoala – 7/10
The reigning African Footballer of the Year started for the first time in the tournament but appeared rusty and lacked creativity in the first half. However, she improved when dropping deeper and made a significant impact in the Falcons’ attack.
Oyedupe Payne – 5/10
Payne was too quiet throughout the match and hardly made any meaningful impact, leading to her substitution.
Esther Okoronkwo – 6/10
Okoronkwo was very mobile, making runs that put Spanish defenders on alert. She came close to scoring but was unlucky.
Substitutes
Ifaoma Onumonu – 4/10
Onumonu had little impact on the game, contributing mainly in recovery when the team was under pressure.
Nicole Payne – 4/10
Nicole did well to protect the team’s right flank and supported the attack when necessary.
Chiwendu Ihezuo – 3.5/10
Ihezuo’s substitution raised questions as she made little impact, and the attack went quiet after her introduction. She fluffed the only chance she had.
Uchenna Kanu – N/A
Kanu came on too late in the game to make any meaningful impact.
The Super Falcons will need to regroup and strategize for their remaining matches, aiming to end their Olympic campaign on a high note.
