Nunes’ brilliant strike leads Brazil to 1-0 win vs Randy Waldrum’s Nigeria Super Falcons in Olympics opener

In a hard fought match that saw chances for either side, Brazil’s Gabi Nunes’s first half strike proved to be the difference in a 1-0 victory over Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad that featured Pitt’s Deborah Abiodun starting in midfield.

Pitt’s Randy Waldrum penciled in Abiodun into the lineup, and the rising sophomore didn’t disappoint, with a solid performance sitting in front of the back line in Nigeria’s 4-1-4-1 formation.

In the 17th minute, Nigeria had a couple of dynamite chances, but couldn’t convert, with Brazil’s goalkeeper Lorena saved two shots in the same counter attacking sequence, first coming from a Rasheedat Ajibade laser strike, then she turned back Christy Ucheibe’s chance.

Shortly after a goal was waved off due to an offside call, Brazil came right back, in the 37th minute, with the legendary Marta finding Nunes cutting behind the Nigerian defense just on the edge of the box.

Nunes sent a shot that banged off the bar and into the goal to give Brazil a 1-0 lead.

🇧🇷Gabi Nunes’ sensational goal puts Brazil ahead

BRA 1-0 NGA #PARIS2024 #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/dZIkb9Ykx7

— Andrews Sefa ⚽️ (@Sefaa_b) July 25, 2024

Nigeria had most of the possession in the final 15 minutes plus stoppage time, including an 80th minute chance at the top of the box for Abiodun, but the 20 year-old who was nominated as CAF Young Player of the Year in 2023, shot flew a bit over the bar and to the left.

With the win, Brazil joins Spain atop the group, while Nigeria and Japan both fell in Wednesday’s action.

Look for more reaction to come including Randy Waldrum’s post match comments later Thursday/early Friday.  

Nigeria

Chiamaka Nnadozie, Blessing Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, Chidinma Okeke (Nicole Payne), Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne (Uchenna Kanu), Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Chinwendu Ihezuo (Esther Okoronkwo), Jennifer Echegini (Ifeoma Onumonu), Rasheedat Ajibade.

Subs: Asisat Oshoala, Tochukwu Oluehi, Chinonyerem Macleans.

Brazil

Lorena, Rafaelle, Tarciane, Tamires (Yasmim), Antônia, Duda Sampaio, Vitória Yaya (Ana Vitória), Marta, Ludmila (Jheniffer Gouveia), Gabi Portilho, Gabi Nunes (Kerolin).

Subs: Thaís, Tainá, Adriana.