Asisat Oshoala is confident that the Super Falcons have what it takes to advance beyond the group stage at the 2024 Olympic Games. The nine time African champions find themselves in a challenging group with current world champions Spain, Brazil, and Japan, all of whom are ranked in the top 10 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. In contrast, the Super Falcons are ranked 36th.
Recalling a similar situation at the last World Cup, Oshoala told FIFA.com, At the World Cup last year, people said the same thing. They said we were in the Group of Death with Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland and could not qualify. But we did. I have a lot of confidence in this team. We have many young players and we can make things difficult for our opponents. We don’t just think about getting out of the group, I think we can actually walk away with a medal.
Despite Nigeria’s women’s team never advancing beyond the last eight in three appearances at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, the men’s team has a rich Olympic history. The gold medal winning team at Atlanta 1996 featured stars like Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, and Sunday Oliseh.
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I know quite a few guys from the team, Oshoala said. “When I go to the CAF awards, they always come over and say hi. We’ve had lunch together and they’re a really nice group of people. What they did at the Olympics was amazing. The male side has had great results even more recently too, winning silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016. I hope we can follow them.
Nigeria will start their Olympic campaign against Brazil in Bordeaux before moving north to Nantes for their matches against Spain and Japan.
Editorial
Asisat Oshoala’s optimism about the Super Falcons‘ chances in the ‘Group of Death’ at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a beacon of hope and determination for Nigerian football fans. Her confidence is grounded in the team’s past experiences and their remarkable performance at the last World Cup, where they defied expectations in a similarly tough group.
The Super Falcons have consistently shown that they can rise to the occasion, leveraging their blend of experience and youthful energy. This combination could be pivotal in navigating the challenging waters of the upcoming Olympic group stage. Oshoala’s leadership and her prolific goal scoring ability provide a solid foundation for the team’s aspirations.
Drawing inspiration from the Nigerian men’s team’s illustrious history in the Olympics, the Super Falcons have a rich legacy to emulate. The success stories of Atlanta 1996, Beijing 2008, and Rio 2016 highlight the potential of Nigerian football to achieve greatness on the global stage. This legacy serves as a motivating force for the current squad, encouraging them to aim high and strive for excellence.
The road to success in Paris will undoubtedly be arduous, with formidable opponents like Spain, Brazil, and Japan standing in the way. However, the Super Falcons have repeatedly demonstrated their resilience and capacity to compete against the best. With strategic preparation, tactical acumen, and unwavering determination, they can transcend the group stage and potentially secure a medal, fulfilling Oshoala’s bold vision.
As the tournament approaches, the anticipation and excitement among fans continue to build. The Super Falcons have the opportunity to write a new chapter in Nigeria’s Olympic history, showcasing their talent and determination on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
Did You Know?
- Asisat Oshoala has won the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award five times, more than any other player.
- Nigeria’s men’s football team won the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, making them the first African team to achieve this feat.
- The FIFA Women’s World Rankings place Spain, Brazil, and Japan all within the top 10, highlighting the competitive nature of Nigeria’s Olympic group.
- The Super Falcons are nine time champions of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations AWCON, the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
- Nigeria’s women’s team has participated in three Olympic Games, with their best finish being in the quarter finals in 2004.