Paris 2024 Olympics: Former Nigeria international issues rallying cry as Super Falcons brace for Brazil test

Former Nigerian international Peter Ijeh has extended his best wishes to the Super Falcons as they embark on their campaign for a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria will face Brazil in their first match of the Olympics on Thursday, a highly anticipated Group C opener.

The Super Falcons prepared for the tournament with a training camp in Spain. Ijeh believes the team has a good chance of performing well at the event. This is the Nigerian women’s national football team’s first appearance at the summer games in 16 years, and they find themselves in what many are calling the “Group of Death,” alongside Brazil, Spain, and Japan.

Nigeria have struggled in past encounters with Brazil, losing both previous matches, and has a record of one win and eight losses in nine Olympic games.

However, the Super Falcons are coming into the tournament in good form, having reached the knockout rounds of the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year and securing their Olympic spot by defeating Cameroon and South Africa.

Former Super Eagles striker Ijeh expects a strong showing from the Super Falcons.

Speaking to Brila FM, he said, “We are expecting a great game. The players have worked extremely hard, and although some joined the camp late, the level has been very high.”

The Super Falcons spent nearly two weeks in Spain preparing for the Olympics.

Ijeh emphasized that preparation is key to success:

“Wishing our Super Falcons success at the Olympics. Success is predictable when preparation meets opportunities.”

The Super Falcons arrived in Bordeaux, France, ahead of the Olympic Games opening ceremony, with a squad of 18 players, four alternate players, and team officials.

The four alternate players, including exciting forward Gift Monday, have since departed France for Nigeria. 

The Nigeria vs Brazil match will be held at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, France, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm Nigerian time.