Nigeria 0-1 Canada: Super Falcons’ impressive 15-game unbeaten run ends in Spain

Nigeria’s Super Falcons succumbed to a slim loss 1-0 to Canada in a friendly match at La Quinta Football Centre in Malaga, Spain this evening, Soccernet.ng reports.

This was the two teams’ final preparation match before heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Nigeria’s head coach Randy Waldrum fielded his strongest lineup in a 4-4-2 diamond formation, with the Super Falcons looking to maintain their impressive unbeaten streak. 

Chiamaka Nnadozie started in goal, with a defence of Michelle Alozie, Chidinma Okeke, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Osinachi Ohale.

The midfield featured Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe, with Jennifer Echegini and Toni Payne ahead of them. Chinwendu Ihezuo and Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade led the attack.

However, Canada started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute. And despite several chances, Nigeria couldn’t find an equalizer. The best chance came when Echegini hit the post in the second half with a sweeping shot that had the opposing goalkeeper grasping at thin air. 

This defeat ended Nigeria’s 15-game unbeaten run, their last loss over 90 minutes being a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in February 2023.

It is also the Super Falcons’ first loss of the year 2024, with Nigeria having recorded two wins and two draws against Cameroon and South Africa this year.

In eight days, Nigeria will begin their Olympic campaign with a crucial match against Brazil in Bordeaux. Further games against Spain and the Korea Republic will follow.