7 Takeaways From Group Stage Exit At Paris 2024
Following the Super Falcons’ disappointing ouster from the 2024 Olympic Games Women’s Football event, finishing bottom of Group C behind Spain, Japan, and Brazil, Completesports.com‘s ADEBOYE AMOSU presents seven major takeaways from the team’s performance.
Inefficiency in Front of Goal and Lapses in Defence
The Super Falcons struggled in front of goal in their opening two games against Brazil and Spain. They created enough chances to earn at least a draw from both games but were let down by poor marksmanship.
Avoidable lapses in defense also cost the team dearly in the three games. Gabi Nunes was left unmarked in the first game against Brazil, and the forward unleashed a powerful shot that beat Chiamaka Nnadozie from inside the box.
Centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin also conceded a needless free kick that was converted by Alexia Putellas in the 85th minute, resulting in Spain’s only goal in the second half.
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Randy Waldrum’s side also struggled defensively in their last group game against Brazil, which they lost 3-1.
Asisat Oshoala Was Uninspiring Again
Poster girl Asisat Oshoala failed to shine again for the Super Falcons at a major competition. The Bay FC forward struggled to make an impact for the nine-time African champions at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was far from her best in Paris.
Oshoala was left on the bench in the first game against Brazil. She started Nigeria’s next two games but failed to make much of an impact.
Waldrum’s Over-Reliance on Chidinma Okeke
Head Coach Randy Waldrum’s decision to stick with Chidinma Okeke despite her error-strewn performances surprised many.
The American opted to play Okeke, a defensive midfielder, at left-back following the injury-induced absence of reliable defender Ashleigh Plumptre.
Okeke was badly exposed in the opening two games. The team looked considerably better when she was replaced at the break by Nicole Payne in the defeat to Japan.
Young Players Impressed on the Big Stage
While some of the older players and big names failed to make much of an impact, the young players shone throughout.
Some of the team’s best performances at Paris 2024 came from young players such as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (23), Deborah Abiodun (20), Christy Ucheibe (23), and Nicole Payne (23).
Ohale, Demehin Partnership Worked Once Again
We first saw the two defenders play together at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. Osinachi Ohale and Tosin Demehin combined to shut out some of the best forwards in Australia and New Zealand.
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They were perfect together again in Paris 2024, combining well in central defense.
Waldrum’s Poor Tactics Against Japan
The Super Falcons’ Head Coach, Randy Waldrum, adopted a more conservative approach in their first two games but decided to go toe-to-toe with Japan in their last group game.
The decision to engage the athletic and pacy Japanese backfired, as they were constantly exposed by the Asian champions.
Captain Ajibade Faltered Under Pressure
The Atletico Madrid winger was not at her usual best in the competition. Perhaps the weight of leading the team was too much for her.
She failed to carry the team on her shoulders and never really reached the heights expected.
