Nigeria or South Africa to face world powerhouses in Paris 2024 Olympics

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

In the anticipated draw for the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s football event, Nigeria or South Africa, depending on the outcome of their final qualifying match, have been placed in Group C alongside formidable opponents.

The draw, which took place on Wednesday, revealed that the winner of the Super Falcons versus Banyana Banyana clash will contend with world champions Spain and 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup winners Japan in Group C.

The inclusion of Copa America Femenina winners Brazil completes the lineup, making Group C one of the most challenging groups in the competition. Notably, all three teams in this group were among the top ten ranked teams in the latest FIFA women’s ranking as of March 2024.

For the Super Falcons, encounters with Brazil and Japan are not unfamiliar territory. Nigeria faced Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking a significant milestone in the team’s history.

Additionally, Japan secured a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in a friendly match two years ago, highlighting the competitive nature of their matchups.

However, Spain poses an unknown challenge for the Super Falcons, having recently claimed their first world title and emerged victorious in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League (UWNL).

The draw also revealed the composition of the other groups in the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s football event:

Group A

• France
• Colombia
• Canada
• New Zealand

Group B

• USA
• Zambia/Morocco
• Germany
• Australia

With such formidable opponents awaiting them, Nigeria or South Africa must prepare rigorously to navigate through the group stage and make a significant impact in the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s football tournament.