2024 Olympics: Oshoala disappoints again and four other observations from Super Falcons defeat to Japan

Nigeria's run at the 2024 Paris Olympics has come to a close after a 3-1 deefat to 2011 world champions Japan at the Stade de la Beaujoiire on Wednesday evening.

 Japan took the lead with a goal from Maika Hamano, followed by Mina Tanaka's strike in the 32nd minute.

Nigeria managed to narrow the gap with a goal from Jennifer Echegini in the 42nd minute. 

Just when it seemed like they might turn things around, Japan extended their lead again in stoppage time with a goal by Hikaru Kitagawa.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the game.

Waldrum Changes Setup, Makes One Change

Randy Waldrum, the coach of the Super Falcons, made a single change to the squad that faced Spain.

Echegini was given the nod over Esther Okoronkwo, resulting in a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Despite the alteration, Nigeria struggled to generate opportunities and capitalize on them against their Asian rivals. 

Oshoala Struggles with Nigeria Continues 

Oshoala, the Bay FC striker, has been out-of-form while playing for the Super Falcons recently, as her last goal was scored in December 2023. 

Her performance in the tournament has been disappointing, as she was relegated to the bench in the first match and struggled to make an impact in subsequent group games.

In the game against Japan, Oshoala's difficulties with the Falcons were highlighted by her performance. 

She played for 60 minutes before being substituted by Chinwendu Ihezuo. 

Throughout her time on the field, Oshoala was unable to produce any shots on target, attempt dribbles, and managed only 12 touches.

VAR Denies Japan Fourth Goal

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was utilized to prevent Japan from scoring a fourth goal. 

Japan had an opportunity to secure a fourth goal when Moroya Miyabi was initially believed to have been fouled inside the box. 

Referee Emirkar Calderas Barrera initially awarded a penalty to Japan due to a perceived foul from Christy Ucheibe. 

However, the VAR intervened and reversed the decision, demonstrating to the referee that the Nigerian midfielder successfully obtained the ball during the tackle. 

This VAR decision underscores the argument for the technology to persist in the game despite calls for its elimination.

Japan Showed Technical Discipline, Clinical with Opportunities 

Japan secured a spot in the Olympic quarterfinals with back-to-back wins over Brazil and Nigeria. 

Their victory over Nigeria showcased impressive tactical discipline, awareness, and a sharp eye for goal.

In the game against Nigeria, Japan crafted four significant opportunities and landed seven shots on target. 

They efficiently converted three of those chances, demonstrating clinical finishing, while effectively shutting down Nigeria's offense with zero big chances for the opposition throughout the match.

Nnadozie's Shine despite Defeat

In the face of Nigeria's elimination from the Olympics tournament, Chiamaka Nnadozie's exceptional performance continued to stand out for the Super Falcons.

During the match against Japan, Nnadozie faced a barrage of seven shots on target, conceding three goals but also making four crucial saves. 

Despite the defeat, the Paris FC goalkeeper's presence helped maintain a respectable scoreline for Nigeria.

Adeyemi Adewale

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