The Super Falcons have crashed out of the 2024 Paris Olympics following their 1-3 loss to Japan in their final match of Group C of the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. The loss has turned out to be the last straw signaling their biggest loss of the tournament as they return home without a single point from their historic first outing at the Olympics in 16 years.
Following their 0-1 defeats by Brazil and Spain in their earlier matches, the Falcons were expected to brace up and bounce back in full energy to secure the required points needed to qualify to the next stage.
The Japanese took the lead with their first goal recorded through Mika Hamano in the 22 minutes of the first half, while Mina Tanaka doubled the lead in the 32nd minutes.
Super Falcons Jennifer Echegini’s brilliant strike with three minutes to go into recess gave some hope to the possibility of the team to revamp and reclaim its lost glory.
The match ended 1-3 against the Super Falcons, and the team has departed the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament without a single point and scoring only one goal.
In a related development, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has praised the Nigerian Women’s Basketball Team, D’Tigress for their brilliant performance as Nigeria defeated the five-time Olympic medalists, the Opals of Australia in a thrilling encounter on Monday.
The victory marked Team Nigeria’s first win at this year’s Olympics taking place in Paris, France.
Ending the first quarter 18-17, the second quarter 23-11 while the the third and fourth quarters ended 10-19 and 20-15 respectively, the D’Tigress displayed a remarkable character by taking down a number three world basketball super-house to record a monumental victory.
The Minister expressed pride and excitement, saying “This victory is not just a win, it is a monumental achievement. Our D’Tigress has shown the world what determination and teamwork can achieve. They have made every Nigerian proud, beating the number three in world ranking”.
Senator Enoh emphasized that “The resilience and spirit displayed by our women’s basketball team are a beacon of hope and inspiration for all athletes competing in Paris. The performance is a shining example of the excellence we aspire to achieve across all sports”.
The Minister further reiterated that “The dedication and hard work of D’Tigress has paid off spectacularly. This victory will undoubtedly boost the morale of the entire Team Nigeria, and I am confident that it will lead to more successes in the days to come. Let us all rally behind our athletes as they continue to strive for greatness”
Kehinde Ajayi (Mrs)
Director Information & PR.
