National Teams
Montserrat Tome identifies threats key Nigerian threats ahead of 2024 Olympic clash
By Monsurah Olatunji
Spain head coach Montserrat Tomé has identified captain Rasheedat Ajibade and reliable goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie as Nigeria’s engine rooms ahead of their encounter.
The Super Falcons will be looking to bounce back from their narrow defeat to Brazil when they face reigning world champions Spain in their second Olympic group game on Sunday at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
The 45-year-old coach, who replaced World Cup-winning coach Luis Rubiales following an unresolved controversy, is expecting a tough challenge from the nine-time African champions.
“They are a physically very strong rival, who will take everything to individual and physical duels,” Montserrat Tomé said, as per Marca.
“It will be very different from Japan because they will let us play less.
“We have studied them well and I would highlight that they play a lot on the left side, where there is an Ajibade that we know well, and that they have a goalkeeper, Nnadozie, who has a fairly long serve and is quite good.”
Spain, fresh off their comeback victory against Japan, will be looking to secure their place in the knockout stages with another win.
Meanwhile, Nigeria must earn points to keep their playoff hopes alive after their initial setback against Brazil.
The match promises to be a compelling contest between two determined teams.
