The stage is set for another epic showdown between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Brazil when they meet in their opening match of the 2024 Olympic women's football tournament on Thursday.
The match, which will kick off at 6pm, will be televised live on StarTimes' Sporty TV channel, promising an unforgettable spectacle for fans around the world.
This highly anticipated encounter brings back memories of the legendary 1996 Olympic semi-final, where Nigeria's men defeated Brazil.
While the Nigerian men's team is absent from this year's tournament, the Super Falcons are making a triumphant return after a 16-year hiatus.
After impressing at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, they head into the Olympics with momentum and a talented squad including Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie and many more.
Head to head
This will be the third meeting between these two football powerhouses and their second Olympic clash. Brazil emerged victorious in their previous meetings, with a dramatic 4-3 extra-time win at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, followed by a more comfortable 3-1 victory in the group stages of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, the current Super Falcons squad is a force to be reckoned with.
READ ALSO: Paris 2024: Morocco surprises Argentina in dramatic Olympic debut
Their impressive performance at the World Cup has elevated their status and they are determined to make a strong impression on the Olympic stage.
Article page with promotion of financial support
With a combination of experience and youth, Nigeria are eager to rewrite the history books against their formidable opponents.
Talented team
Coach Randy Waldrum can afford to be confident, with the calibre of players at his disposal. In addition to world-class goalkeeper Nnadozie, there are defensive stalwarts Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie Oluwatosin Demehin and Chidinma Okeke, who are all available.
Midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Toni Payne, as well as forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu are all in the promising Super Falcons squad hoping to make a splash at the Olympics.
In the qualifiers, the Super Falcons outlasted their counterparts from Ethiopia, Cameroon and South Africa to reach the Paris Olympics.