Heartbreak for the Falcons as they are eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympics, ending their dreams of gold.

Clinical Japan defeated Nigeria 3-1 in the final Group C women’s football tournament at the Paris Olympics, resulting in African giants being sent home.

Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka, and Hikaru Kitagawa’s goals in the first half secured a second-place finish for Futoshi Ikeda’s team in the group stage. This guarantees their spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament by eliminating Nigeria from contention.

Randy Waldrum maintained his trust in the team that suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spain during their last match. The Falcons’ starting line-up featured Chiamaka Nnadozie as goalkeeper, while Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Chidinma Okeke and Osinachi Ohale held fort at defence.

In the pivot positions, Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun formed a duo. The midfielders included Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne while Asisat Oshoala played in the attacking position.