Nigeria vs Brazil Olympic Opener: 3 Things to Know about the Super Falcons

As the clock ticks down to the Paris 2024 Olympics, excitement builds around one of the most anticipated opening matches in women’s football: Nigeria vs Brazil. This game isn’t just a kickoff for the tournament; it’s a moment of redemption and a test of resilience for Nigeria’s Super Falcons. 

They are set to re-enter the Olympic stage after a 16-year absence from the Olympic football scene, the Super Falcons are back with a vengeance, aiming to start their campaign with a bang.

As fans worldwide gear up to watch this clash, here are three essential insights into the Super Falcons’ journey and what to expect from this electrifying match.

The Super Falcons return

The Super Falcons last graced the Olympic fields in Beijing in 2008, where they faced tough competition and unfortunately finished at the bottom of their group. Fast forward to 2024, and the Falcons have soared past these setbacks. By defeating South Africa 1-0 in a nail-biting qualifier, they’ve punched their ticket to Paris, ready to challenge the odds. 

Their recent performance has been inspiring, staying undefeated in competitive matches since their impressive run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. There, they made it to the knockout stages, drawing against powerhouses like Canada and the Republic of Ireland, and narrowly losing to England only in penalties.

Nigeria and Brazil Head-to-Head

History hasn’t been in favor of the Super Falcons when it comes to their previous Olympic encounters with Brazil. They have met Brazil twice in this context, with Brazil coming out on top both times, including a 3-1 victory at the Beijing Olympics. 

However, the narrative may change this time around. The Falcons’ recent form, highlighted by their World Cup achievements and undefeated streak post-tournament, suggests they are in a much stronger position. Brazil, on the other hand, although they are decorated with Olympic medals from past decades, will face a rejuvenated and spirited Nigerian team eager to rewrite history.

Who will officiate the match and its details?

For fans eager to catch every minute of this thrilling matchup, the game is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Bordeaux Stadium in France. Kickoff is at 6 PM Nigerian time, and the match will be broadcast live on Supersport. 

The match between Nigeria and Brazil will be officiated by Kim Yu-jeong from South Korea, assisted by Park Mi-suk and Joanna Charaktis. Jelena Cvetkovic will be the fourth official, while Kate Jacewicz and Ivan Bebek will handle VAR responsibilities.