Members of Nigeria’s Super Falcons had a tense experience in France as they prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics, according to Sportblog247.com.

The team arrived in Bordeaux on Thursday after a training camp in Seville, Spain, and is gearing up for their first Olympic appearance in 16 years under the guidance of American head coach Randy Waldrum.

Following a closed-door friendly match against Canada in Malaga, where Nigeria lost 1-0 in regulation time but won 5-4 on penalties, the team traveled to Bordeaux via Paris. They are scheduled to begin their Olympic campaign against Brazil on July 25.

However, their hotel stay took a dramatic turn when players Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Tochukwu Oluehi, and a few others became trapped in an elevator. Despite the scare, the players stayed calm until they were rescued. One player vowed to avoid using the elevator for the remainder of their stay. After a few minutes, the elevator doors were pried open, and the players continued to their rooms on foot.

Meanwhile, four alternate squad members—Alani Jumoke, Ademola Morufat, Gift Monday, and Regina Otu—returned to Nigeria. They had trained with the 18 main players and were named as substitutes in case of injuries. Ifeoma Onumonu, initially on the alternate list, was promoted to the main squad after Halimotu Ayinde’s injury ruled her out of the Olympics.

Before leaving, the alternate players visited the Nigerian Embassy in Paris.

Nigeria is set to compete in a tough group at the Olympics, facing Brazil, world champions Spain, and Japan. The Super Falcons have a record of one win and eight losses in Olympic women’s football tournaments.