Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala remains optimistic about the teamโs chances of advancing from their group in the womenโs football tournament at the ongoing Paris Olympics, despite their challenging start.
Nigeria has faced tough competition, losing their first two matches with a 1-0 defeat to Brazil last Thursday and another 1-0 loss to Spain on Sunday.
This leaves them with a difficult task ahead in their final group match against Japan.
With no points and having yet to score, the Falcons are currently at the bottom of their group. Nonetheless, Oshoala, 29, believes Nigeria still has a chance to progress.
โWe just have to give everything weโve got in the game against Japan,โ Oshoala told Totori News. โWe still have the opportunity to qualify. Hope is not lost.โ
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The Bay FC forward expressed a desire for a draw between Brazil and Japan to keep their chances alive, but Japanโs win has added more urgency for Nigeria. โWe need to use this as motivation. Weโve played two solid games, and thereโs room for improvement,โ she said.
Oshoala acknowledged that missed scoring opportunities against Brazil and Spain have been a setback. โIโm proud of the teamโs performance.
We had chances to score against Spain and Brazil, but we werenโt clinical enough,โ she said. โIf we can start converting our chances, we can compete with any team.โ
The Falcons are set to face Japan at the Stade de Beaujoire in Nantes on Wednesday.