Oparanozie backs Falcons to qualify from Group C

Despite a disappointing loss to Brazil in their opening match, former Super Falcons star Desire Oparanozie remains optimistic about the team’s chances, backing Randy Waldrum’s squad to advance from Group C in the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Falcons face a daunting challenge in Group C, which features a formidable lineup of women’s football powerhouses, including Spain, Brazil, and Japan, all boasting impressive track records and reputations in the sport.

The Falcons’ Group C opponents – Spain, Brazil, and Japan – boast an impressive collective pedigree, with all three nations having previously lifted the coveted title of world champions. Notably, Spain currently holds the crown, having emerged victorious at the 2023 World Cup, which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Nigeria’s best outing at the Olympics was in 2004, when they made it to the quarterfinals of the competition.

Despite suffering a setback in a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their opening game on Thursday, Oparanozie, while speaking on 54footballX, remained confident that the Falcons can progress to the knockout rounds.

“Yes, we will come out,” she affirmed when asked if Nigeria would progress from the group stage.

“It’s between Spain and Japan for the top spots, and Nigeria will pick the third place. Brazil is going home. We will lose one, draw one, and win one.”

On Sunday, the Super Falcons, 11-time champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, will face off against the reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions, Spain, in a pivotal match that could significantly impact their trajectory in the tournament.

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