Paired alongside Spain, Brazil, and Japan, the Falcons were in for a difficult challenge at the Olympics. Their campaign got off on a bad note, losing their opening game to Brazil 1-0. In their second game against reigning world champions Spain, the Falcons put up a better performance than their opener against the South Americans.

After losing 1-0 to Brazil in their first game, the 11-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners seemed poised to pick up a hard-earned point in their second game against Spain on Sunday, but a late goal from Barcelona star Alexia Putellas ensured the Spaniards snatched all three points.

In their last game against Japan on Wednesday, the Falcons conceded two goals before the half-hour mark before Jeniffer Echegini scored a goal that may be competing for the goal of the tournament to get Nigeria back in the game at 2-1.

However, Tosin Demehin was unlucky to have a decision ruled against her by Venezuelan referee Emikar Calderas, who awarded a free kick to the Asian giants in the last minute of added time.

Left-back Hikaru Kitagawa beat Chiamaka Nnadozie from the resulting set piece to take the game beyond the reach of the Falcons.

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