Olympics Soccer: Randy Waldrum optimistic about Nigeria’s chances in group finale vs Japan

Photo courtesy NFF / Deborah Abiodun (Twitter)

The Nigeria’s women’s soccer team will conclude Group C Play at the Olympics on Wednesday, when they take on Japan. (Kickoff slated for 11 a.m. ET Peacock )

Randy Waldrum’s squad still has an outside shot of qualifying for the knockout rounds, but will need a strong performance and some help.  To avoid early elimination, the Super Falcons must secure a victory against Japan by at least two goals and hope that Spain defeats Brazil.

On Sunday, Nigeria lost to the reigning World Cup champions, Spain, 1-0, in a tightly contested match that wasn’t decided until the final whistle.  Despite creating multiple chances, the Nigerian team failed to find the back of the net, ultimately conceding a late goal to the World Cup winners.

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

While disappointed with the outcome, Pitt women’s soccer coach, who has been at the helm of the Super Falcons since 2021,  remains optimistic about their upcoming match against Japan despite two tough losses to two of the top teams in the world, Spain and Brazil.

““We lost to two of the best teams in the world. Spain is the best team right now, and Brazil is in the top ten,” Waldrum remarked after the loss to Spain.

Nigeria were out-possessed in each match, but defended well in the final third, including Pitt rising sophomore Deborah Abiodun holding her own in the central of the field, as shield for Nigeria’s back line, against world class midfielders.

Thank you God for this Wonderful Family Super Falcons,🙌 Always A privilege to represent 🇳🇬 Thank you Nigerians, and Dear Supporters ❤️ Work in Progress 📌 #DA13 #SoarSuperFalcons #paris2024olympics pic.twitter.com/JyFiKzYCEG

— Abiodun Deborah (@Abiodundebby100) July 27, 2024

The Super Falcons had some chances on the counter.

“We had three to four good opportunities today, regrettably, we did not convert them,” Waldrum added.

“In the first half, we had a breakaway and Asisat Oshoala along with Rasheedat Ajibade missed their chances. Unfortunately, the Spanish took theirs.”

That chance came when Barcelona star Alexia Putellas took a free kick that found the back corner, sailing over the outstretched arms of Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was outstanding for most of the match, making five saves.

The final challenge in group play won’t be easy against Japan, who also have held their own against both Spain and Brazil. Japan is coming off an impressive 2-1 win vs Brazil on Sunday, and previously lost to Spain, 2-1, on July 25.

“We’ve shown that we could have gotten something out of those matches. It shows we can play against anybody in the world. So, I am proud of the players.”

Brazil and Spain will kickoff at the same time in Group C play.

For the Americans, Wednesday’s final group play match vs. Australia is less a determining factor in whether they advance and more a matter of course: Emma Hayes’ USWNT squad has already secured advancement following a 3-0 victory vs. Zambia and 4-1 victory vs. Germany. The United States can advance as a group winner with a draw vs. Australia and finish no worse than one of the top two third-place teams of group play.