In the 35th minute, Ludmila sent a cross from near the baseline after a clever through-ball, and Marta, unmarked near the penalty spot, blasted the ball into the net after adjusting her position. However, replays showed that Ludmila was offside when receiving the pass, and thus the goal was disallowed.
In the 37th minute, Brazil took the lead as Marta delivered an accurate long pass, giving Nunez a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper, which she capitalized on by smashing the ball into the net off the underside of the crossbar. Brazil Women’s Team 1-0 Nigeria Women’s Team.
Match report
At 1:00 AM on July 26, the first round of Group C in the Olympic women’s football tournament saw Nigeria Women’s Team face off against Brazil Women’s Team.
In the 15th minute, Nigeria had a promising attack, with Oshobi taking a threatening long-range shot from outside the box, but Brazil’s goalkeeper made a spectacular save to deny the effort.
In the 16th minute, Nigeria executed a tactical corner kick, with Payne and Ihezor combining well. Unmarked in the box, Payne delivered a cross to the far post where Damsin headed the ball just over the bar.
In the 28th minute, Oshobi made a scissor tackle on Tamires from behind, but the referee did not award a foul. Tamires was subsequently substituted due to injury.
In the 45th minute, there were suspicions of handball in the Nigerian penalty area. After a lengthy consultation between the main and assistant referees, no penalty was awarded.
At halftime, Brazil led 1-0 thanks to Nunez’s goal.
In the 52nd minute, Gabi Potiguar crossed from the byline, but Nigeria’s goalkeeper intercepted the ball before Nunez could shoot.
In the 59th minute, Yasmin struck the ball from the left flank, hitting the crossbar and bouncing out.
In the 71st minute, Ajibade attempted a long-range shot that was well-saved by the goalkeeper.
In the 72nd minute, Enazochi’s clearance was intercepted, leaving Marta with a one-on-one chance, but Enazochi redeemed herself by blocking Marta’s shot.
In the 84th minute, Oshobi unleashed a powerful long-range shot from outside the box, but the goalkeeper held onto the ball.
The match ended without further goals, with Brazil defeating Nigeria 1-0.
Player lists
Nigeria Women’s Team starting lineup: 16-Enazochi; 3-Ohaele; 5-Okpekho; 14-Damsin; 2-Alolode; 15-Ajibade; 7-Payne; 10-Oshobi; 11-Echefuini; 13-Abiodun; 17-Ihezor; Substitutes: 1-Olosi; 4-Payne; 8-Oshoala; 12-Kanu; 18-Onomumu; 9-Chinoyere; 6-Okoelonkwo;
Brazil Women’s Team starting lineup: 1-Lorena; 6-Tamires (36’13-Yasmin); 4-Rafael; 2-Ronicleide; 3-Tarcia; 10-Marta; 14-Ludmila; 5-Duda; 8-Aya; 18-Gabi Potiguar; 16-Nunez; Substitutes: 12-Taina; 15-Tais; 13-Yasmin; 17-Victoria; 7-Carolin; 9-Adriana; 11-Jennifer;