By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Nearly three decades after Nigeria's men's team won Olympic gold, the country's women's football team believes it's their turn to make a global impact at the Paris 2024 Games. The Super Falcons, having qualified for every Women's World Cup, are returning to the Olympics for the first time in 16 years. They are one of two African representatives, along with Zambia, and they head to France with high confidence.
“We are not just going there to participate we can even win it nothing is impossible,” said goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who plays for a club in Paris. “We have everything it takes to go to the Olympics and get a gold medal. We have a better team now and we can do great things.”
Unlike the men's tournament, which has seen African teams win twice , no African women's team has advanced beyond the quarter finals. The Super Falcons reached the quarter finals in Athens 2004, losing to Germany.
This year, Zambia will face Germany, the 2016 Olympic champions, as well as the United States and Australia in Group B. Nigeria faces a formidable Group C, taking on reigning world champions Spain, Japan, and Brazil.
Last year, the Super Falcons reached the World Cup knockout stage for only the third time, narrowly losing to England in a penalty shootout. Nnadozie believes the team has improved significantly under American coach Randy Waldrum. “With the kind of football we are playing now, we are going to conquer the world soon," she said.
Nnadozie, who joined Paris FC in 2020, has been in exceptional form, both for her club and country. At the World Cup, her penalty save against Canada was crucial for Nigeria's progress. She has also excelled in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, saving five penalties in eight games.
Former teammate Desire Oparanozie believes the Olympics offer Nnadozie another opportunity to showcase her talents. “If she continues to perform at the highest level, she will be among the best goalkeepers in the world,” Oparanozie said.
Nnadozie, the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at a Women’s World Cup, was named the best goalkeeper in France’s top league last season. “I feel very happy winning awards because I’ve been working hard. But the first goal is for my team to win, not an individual trophy,” she said.
Nigeria's return to the Olympics after nearly two decades offers a chance for a new generation to excel. It also provides an opportunity for African stars to make significant career moves. Zambia, returning for their second straight finals, boasts players like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, the world’s most expensive player.
Reflecting on the progress of women's football in Africa, Nnadozie said, “We have so many African players abroad who are doing well. We are like a beacon of hope to those in Africa.”
However, the recent decision to delay the Women's Africa Cup of Nations to 2025 has caused concern. This means there will have been just one Wafcon in nearly seven years by the time the 2025 finals begin. Oparanozie criticized the postponement, saying, “It’s going to put us 10 steps behind, and it’s not good for women’s football in Africa.”
Despite the challenges, Nnadozie is determined to make her mark at the Olympics. “It was a great thing for Nigeria to qualify for the Olympics after 16 years,” she said. “I've been dreaming of playing in the Olympics and not just qualifying, but making a mark to make the nation proud.”
