National Teams
Paris 2024 Olympics: Canada and Nigeria enjoy shared win in closed door match
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Canada, the reigning Olympic champions, narrowly defeated Nigeria 1-0 in a closed-door training match at the Marbella Football Centre in Malaga, with an early goal by Janine Beckie in the eighth minute.
Despite this, Nigeria managed to clinch a 5-4 victory on penalties after the regulation time.
The Nigerian starting lineup featured Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Chidinma Okeke, Michelle Alozie, Christ Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Abiodun Deborah, Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
This match served as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, which is set to begin in France in eight days.
It was also the first meeting between the two sides since their 0-0 draw in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B opener on July 21, 2023, where Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made a notable impact by saving a penalty kick from Christine Sinclair and making 14 other significant saves.
With this final test match concluded, the Super Falcons will travel to France on Thursday to continue their training.
Their first match in the tournament is scheduled against Brazil on July 25th at Stade Bordeaux. They will also face Spain on July 28th and Japan on July 31st, with both matches taking place at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
