The stage was set in Bordeaux as Brazil geared up to face Nigeria in their opening game of the 2024 Olympics. Finding themselves in Group C, both sides looked to find a win early in the tournament.

A first half goal through Gabi Nunes saw Brazil claim a 1-0 win over Nigeria, creating momentum early on in their Olympic campaign.

NIGERIA: Nnadozie, Alozie, Demehin, Ohale, Okeke, Abiodun, Ucheibe, Payne, Echegini, Ajibade, Ihezuo

BRAZIL: Lorenna, Antonia, Rafaelle,Tarciane, Tamires Cassia, Ludmila, Vitoria Yaya, Duda, Marta, Gabi Nunes, Gabi Portilho

An early chance for Brazil came through a wide free kick. Tamire Cassia lined up to take it, sending it into the box, however the strong defensive set up of Nigeria denied Brazil a chance to score.

Nigeria had their first chance of the match with a break down the right wing, which was consequently snuffed out by the Brazilian defence.    

Two chances came for Nigeria in the 15th minute, forcing the Brazilian keeper, Lorena, into two saves. Ajibade squared the ball into the box towards the feet of Ihezuo who found herself in front of goal. Lorena read the movement of the Nigerian attack and made a save from close range.

When the ball rebounded, it fell to Cristy Ucheibe on the edge of the box causing the Brazilian goalkeeper to make a full length save, as the ball left play for a corner.

From the corner, Toni Payne found Demehin who headed the ball towards goal, however Lorena kept the scoreline level once again. Play resumed, continuing Nigeria’s search for an opening goal.

Brazil were quick to find their attacking momentum once again, with Tamires Cassia sending the ball towards Marta, who fired shot from edge of the box, however it proved to be a comfortable save for Nnadozie between the goalposts.

Brazil remained strong in their attacking movements following this, with Ludmila sending the ball from the left channel towards Gabi Portilho in front of goal. Trying to find the back of the net, Portilho sent it just wide of the left post.

The first yellow card was handed out to Vitoria Yaya in the 27th minute, who received the card due to a foul on Nigeria’s Toni Payne.

It looked as if Brazil would take the lead through Marta however, the goal was ruled offside. Following this, Brazil made a substitution as Tamires Cassia left the pitch injured. Her replacement was Yasmim.

Brazil were not discouraged by their disallowed goal, and soon after Gabi Nunes opened the scoreline. Receiving a reverse pass from Marta in midfield, she carried the ball towards the 18 yard box, sending it soaring into the top right corner.

As the match entered seven added minutes of the first half, a call was made from the Brazilian team of a potential handball in the Nigerian box. The final decision was no handball, and Brazil lined up for a corner, which was quickly cleared by Nigeria.

Despite multiple attacking movements from both teams, the scoreline remained 1-0 Brazil moving into the second half. Nigeria made one change moving into the first half, as Iheuzo was replaced by Esther Okoronkwo.

Brazil looked to find a second from the start of the second half, with Gabi Portilho carrying the ball down the right channel. She sent a cross towards the box which rebounded to the left wing, however Brazil were unable to keep the chance alive.

Brazil found another chance to score in the 51st minute, as Potilho sent the ball towards Gabi Nunes at the front post. Nunes was unable to wrap the ball around Nnadozie, and the ball was put out for a goal kick.

As both teams settled into the rhythm of the second half, Brazil proved to be the more dominant side, often dictating the flow of play. Brazil continued to have attacking movements, with a close chance from Marta. She received the ball on the left flank, sending it towards the goal. The ball however deflected off the inside of the right post, leaving Brazil still in search of a second goal.

Another chance for Brazil came from a corner, with Yasmim receiving the ball on the right wing, sending it towards the head of Taricane, who headed it into the side netting.

Nigeria’s Ugabane had a chance to level the scoreline, finding herself free on the edge of the box. She sent a shot soaring directly towards Lorena who denied the chance.

Brazil countered with a chance of their own, with captain Marta finding herself free in the box to shoot. This did not prove to be a challenge for the Nigerian keeper, as the low shot was carefully saved by Nnadozie.

Looking to bring new inspiration to their side, Nigeria made another change as Nicole Payne replaced Chidinma Okeke. With less than ten minutes left till full time, Brazil made one more change to their attack as Kerolin replaced first half goalscorer Gabi Nunes.

Both sides elicited glimpses of attacking movements, however neither were able to find the goal they were searching for. Nigeria’s Ugabande looked to score an equaliser from the eighteen, however Lorena once again kept her team ahead, easily saving the strike.

With six added minutes, Brazil’s Gabi Portilho was forced to leave the pitch due to injury.

Nigeria had a final chance to score as they received two corners as the clock ran down. The strong defensive set up of Brazil denied any late equalising chances, as the side finished their first 2024 Olympic game in Group C with a 1-0 victory.