Zambia and Nigeria look to overcome early Olympic losses | OneFootball

Exactly a year ago, Africans stunned the world at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Super Falcons beat co-hosts Australia in a five-goal thriller as Asisat Oshoala capped off a wonder goal with an iconic celebration that left the world agog.

In the same competition, Zambia made history by scoring the 1,000th goal of the tournament with Barbra Banda’s penalty against Costa Rica.

A year later, the inspirational teams are back on the Olympic stage, ready to dazzle again. Zambia and Nigeria both suffered defeats during the first match day of the Paris 2024 Olympics. But this should not distract from the quality each team possesses.

Zambia’s start to the 2024 Olympics

Zambia got their Games off to a torrid start. Conceding three goals in less than ten minutes against a powerhouse like the United States can disorientate you.The Copper Queens started on the front foot for the first few minutes, but that was before Emma Hayes’ team got their rhythm. By the tenth minute, the Americans clicked, and it wasn’t surprising that Washington Spirit attacker Trinity Rodman slotted home a calm finish after some strings of passes from her teammates.

What was surprising, though, was Mallory Swanson scoring a brace in 90 seconds, just seven minutes later. Things then went from bad to worse when Zambia were shown a red card thanks to Pauline Zulu’s last-ditch foul on Sophia Smith.

That’s just half the story, though. Zambia’s resolute second-half display is a reminder of the resilience the African continent possess.

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Nigeria’s start to the 2024 Olympics

For the West Africans, the story was different. Having been out of the Olympics for 16 years, the continent awaited their comeback. The first few minutes of their match against Brazil reminded us of how dazzling the Super Falcons could be on the global stage as they created three clear chances between the 15th and 17th minute.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade continuously tormented the Brazilian right-hand side, dribbling through and creating half-chances for her teammates, who sadly were not at her level of alertness. The biggest chance was a perfectly placed cross that striker Chinwendu Ihezuo missed.A moment of lapse in concentration was exploited by the classic brilliance of the football legend Marta. The 38-year-old created an assist for Gabi Nunes, who fired a ferocious shot past D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Season Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Super Falcons fought back in the second half after some strategic substitutes made by Randy Waldrum. But the South American champions put their bodies on the line to protect their lead and bank a precious three points.

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Zambia and Nigeria: Moving forward in Paris

For Zambia and Nigeria, the task ahead is a tall one. Getting at least four points from the next two matches might seem unlikely, but it is not impossible. Here is why hope still exists for the African representatives.

Zambia

Zambia’s defence has always been their undoing. However, keeping the US at bay for 65 minutes means they are finally getting it right. They will fancy a victory over their next opponent, Australia, who also suffered a 3-0 defeat in their opening match.

The Matildas, who started strongly against Germany, collapsed quickly thanks to two second-half goals in the 64th and 68th minute. The 2023 FIFA World Cup co-host looked toothless without their main attacker, Sam Kerr.

Zambia plays direct football, and having the world’s most expensive player on the team alongside the current NWSL top scorer will always be an advantage.

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When given the opportunity, both Banda and Kundanji will look to exploit spaces between Claire Hunt and Alana Kennedy while running at Ellen Carpenter at Steph Catley. Catley’s willingness to get on the end of the field alongside Foord might be a major gap the Copper Queens could exploit.

Zambia can beat Australia and a victory will put them in a strong position for qualification.The Germans might be a more difficult opponent, but didn’t Zambia hand them a shocking defeat during a friendly match last year?

Nigeria

People have written off the Super Falcons, too, but isn’t it too early to do so?

Nigeria play Spain next, the world champions and producers of the last three Ballon d’Or winners. La Roja lost to the Czech Republic two weeks ago and had to rally a 3-2 win after going two goals down against Denmark in June. Simply put, they are not infallible.

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Both Olga Camona and Ona Battle relish joining the attack, leaving much space at the back for opponents to run into.

This space was how Denmark scored their second goal and how Czechia scored their first goal during the recent WEUROS qualifiers, respectively. The Super Falcons have the quality of attackers that can inflict similar harm.

Avoiding defeat against Spain will put the Nigerians in a solid position against Japan — depending on the outcome of Japan vs. Brazil. But a victory against Spain might just be the result that propels them to the next round.

The first matches might have been a stumble, but two more remain. Can Zambia and Nigeria shock the world again? Only time will tell.

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