Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Canada in a friendly match at La Quinta Football Centre in Malaga, Spain this evening, marking their final preparation before the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Under the leadership of head coach Randy Waldrum, Nigeria fielded their strongest lineup in a 4-4-2 diamond formation, aiming to preserve their impressive unbeaten record. Chiamaka Nnadozie started in goal, supported by defenders Michelle Alozie, Chidinma Okeke, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Osinachi Ohale. The midfield featured Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe, with Jennifer Echegini and Toni Payne in advanced positions. Chinwendu Ihezuo and Rasheedat Ajibade from Atletico Madrid led the attacking front.
Despite their efforts, Canada took an early lead in the 18th minute. Nigeria created several scoring opportunities but couldn’t find the equalizer, with Jennifer Echegini coming closest with a second-half strike that rattled the post.
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The defeat brought an end to Nigeria’s 15-game unbeaten streak, with their last loss in regular time occurring against Colombia in February 2023.
It also marked the Super Falcons’ first defeat of 2024, following two wins and two draws against Cameroon and South Africa earlier in the year.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will kick off their Olympic campaign in eight days with a crucial match against Brazil in Bordeaux, followed by encounters against Spain and the Korea Republic.