Brazil secured a narrow victory over Nigeria in their opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympics, but it was far from an easy win. Sportblog247.com reports that Brazil goalkeeper Lorena da Silva Leite and goalscorer Gabi Nunes both acknowledged the tough challenge posed by the Super Falcons.

Gabi Nunes scored the only goal of the encounter in the 37th minute, securing Brazil’s third consecutive win over Nigeria. Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons, aiming for their first Olympic win since 2004, had their chances in a keenly contested affair in Bordeaux. Goalkeeper Lorena made crucial saves, denying Chinwendu Ihezuo and Christy Ucheibe before Brazil took the lead. She also stopped a close-range effort from captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the second half as Nigeria searched in vain for an equalizer.

After the match, Lorena emphasized Brazil’s preparation and unity as key factors in their victory. “Brazil is well-prepared,” she said, according to Football Sierra Leone. “Arthur [Elias] is doing an excellent job, and we saw today how strong our group is. Nigeria is a tough team, but we deserve to win. Our team is united and always ready to compete.”

Gabi Nunes echoed Lorena’s sentiments, highlighting the hard work required to secure the win. “I’m really happy with this game,” Nunes said. “It was tough, but our team is amazing. We worked hard to play well, and I’m pleased to have scored and helped the team. Now, it’s time to rest and enjoy this moment.”

Legendary Brazil forward Marta also lauded Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for her performance. Speaking post-match, Marta called Nnadozie “a great goalkeeper” and praised her resilience. Marta had a goal disallowed for offside but provided the assist for Gabi Nunes’ game-winning goal. “It was frustrating [the disallowed goal], of course,” Marta said. “But the most important thing is that we didn’t complain, we kept chasing, and then we managed to find a pass for Gabi. She hit a great shot, beating the Nigerian goalkeeper.”

Nnadozie, who posted four consecutive clean sheets in the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games against Cameroon and South Africa, was a standout performer despite Nigeria’s loss.

The Super Falcons now face an even tougher challenge as they take on the current Women’s World Cup champions, Spain, in their next game at the Stade De La Beaujoire.