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Randy Waldrum’s Nigeria Super Falcons stunned by Spain’s Alexia Putellas’ late wonder strike

Photo courtesy @SEFutbolFem Twitter

In a hard fought match, Spain pulled through past Nigeria on a late strike from Barcelona FC star Alexia Putellas, which put the World Champs through to the Olympics knockout stages and keeping Randy Waldrum-led Super Falcons from sending the Group into complete logjam.

In the 85th minute of a tightly contested battle between Spain and Nigeria in group play at the Summer Olympic Games, Alexia Putellas sent Spain into the quarterfinals, after the Barcelona FC striker’s remarkable late free kick sailed into the far corner of the Nigeria net to secure a narrow 1-0 win.

The match saw Spain controlling most of the possession, but as they have been in past matches against some of the best teams in the world, Nigeria proved to be up to the task in getting numbers forward, though they struggled to make the most of those moments.

Also rising to the occasion was Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who made five excellent saves, with three of those coming from close range.

Spain appeared to take the lead earlier in the second half, but Salma Paralluelo goal was disallowed after VAR showed the Spaniards were offside.  *** (See Below) 

Patrolling in the defensive midfield spot, Deborah Abiodun, a rising sophomore at Pitt, once again was superb facing a world class attacking midfielders and forwards, with numerous key defensive actions and solid on the ball in helping initiate a few quality counter-attacking moments for Nigeria.

With the result, Spain top Group C with six points from two games and have qualified for the knockout round before facing Brazil in their final group game.

Meanwhile, Nigeria are pointless and will need to beat Japan (3 points) in their final match to have any chance of qualifying. With Japan recording an unlikely victory against Brazil in the other Group C match,
It was a tough loss for Nigeria, as they could have increased their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages, even with a draw.
Waldrum’s troops can still qualify for the knockout stages, but it’s likely a long shot.

Two things need to happen for the Super Falcons to reach the last eight. Firstly, Spain would need to beat Brazil, as any other result would eliminate Nigeria from the competition.

Secondly, the Super Falcons would have to beat Japan by at least a two-goal margin. This might be a tough task, considering they have not scored in their last four matches.

Nigeria’s final group game takes place on Wednesday, when they face Japan (1 p.m. ET kickoff).

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*** In addition, the match was officiated by three U.S. Soccer officials, including Pitt graduate Kathryn Nesbitt, who’s becoming a fixture, officiating major international soccer matches since 2019. 

Look for further updates and we’ll be connecting with Coach Waldrum in the coming days to get his reaction from Sunday’s result, and get his thoughts on the final match of group play vs Japan.  

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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