Nigeria's Super Falcons are preparing to leave for the Paris Olympics after suffering a narrow defeat in their final warm-up match.
The team led by coach Randy Waldrum fell 1-0 to Canada on Wednesday in a closed-door friendly held at the La Quinta Football Center in Malaga, Spain.
The Canadians capitalized on a first-half opportunity, leaving Nigeria unable to find an equalizer despite a close attempt from Jennifer Echegini in the latter stages of the game.
Despite the loss to Canada, the Super Falcons are eager to make their mark by returning to the Olympic stage after a 16-year absence.
Travel itinerary
As indicated in an official statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation, the Falcons are scheduled to arrive in Bordeaux, France on Thursday evening, kicking off their countdown to the Women's Olympic Football Tournament.
The nine-time African champions will face a challenging group stage, competing against Brazil, Spain and Japan.
READ ALSO: Paris 2024: Super Falcons ready for friendly against Canada
Scheduled to depart Spain on an Air France flight on Thursday, the Falcons are expected to arrive at their accommodation at the Mercure Hotel shortly before midnight.
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This is not the Super Falcons' first Olympic experience. They reached the quarter-finals at Athens 2004, but have not participated since their appearance at China 2008, where they suffered group stage defeats.
Women's football debuted at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and the Super Falcons made their own debut in 2000 (Australia).