Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the Paris 2024 women’s football competition following a 3-1 loss to Japan in their final Group C match at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on July 31.

The Super Falcons, having lost their previous two matches to Brazil (1-0) and Spain (1-0), needed a two-goal victory to advance. However, Japan’s three first-half goals—scored by Maika Hamano (22nd minute), Mina Tanaka (32nd minute), and Hikaru Kitagawa (45’+5′)—sealed Nigeria’s fate.

Midfielder Jennifer Echegini netted Nigeria’s lone goal in the 42nd minute. With zero points from three matches, Nigeria finished at the bottom of the group, conceding five goals and scoring just once.

In other Group C action, Spain defeated Brazil 2-0, securing the top spot in the group. Japan finished second, while Brazil placed third. This marks Nigeria’s first absence from the women’s football event at the Olympics in 16 years.