Spain Edges Out Nigeria 1-0 in Hard-Fought Encounter
Alexia Putellas propelled Spain into the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a stunning late free kick, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria. The Barcelona star’s moment of brilliance broke the deadlock in a tightly contested match, ensuring Spain’s progression from Group C.
Spain and Nigeria battled fiercely throughout the game, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to capitalize until Putellas’ decisive strike five minutes from time. Spain struggled to penetrate Nigeria’s defense, with striker Salma Paralluelo having a second-half goal disallowed and several close calls throughout the match.
Despite Nigeria’s resilient defense, a needless foul led to Putellas’ chance from a free kick. Her expertly looped shot sailed over the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, finding the far corner of the net and clinching the victory for Spain.
Spain tops Group C with six points from two games, having already secured a spot in the knockout round ahead of their final group match against Brazil. Meanwhile, Nigeria remains without a point and must defeat Japan in their last group game to have any hope of advancing.
In other Group C action, Japan’s unexpected victory over Brazil added pressure on Nigeria to secure a result against Spain. Despite being on the defensive for much of the match, Nigeria’s quick counter-attacks, led by Esther Okoronkwo, tested Spain’s backline and forced goalkeeper Cata Coll into a crucial save.
Spain, the world’s No. 1 ranked team, had multiple chances to score, including efforts from Aitana Bonmati and a point-blank save from Nnadozie to deny Putellas. Paralluelo thought she had given Spain the lead early in the second half, but her goal was disallowed by VAR for offside.
Spain’s relentless pursuit of a goal paid off when Putellas’ floated free kick deceived Nnadozie, securing a hard-earned win for the World Cup champions. Spain will face Brazil, while Nigeria meets Japan in the final Group C matches on Wednesday.
Player of the Match: Alexia Putellas (Spain) Putellas’ moment of magic proved decisive, her lofted free kick leaving Nnadozie helpless and securing Spain’s victory. The Barcelona star’s brilliance shone through in a tightly contested match.
Player Ratings
- Spain: Coll 8, Batlle 7, Paredes 7, Aleixandri Lopez 6, Hernandez 6, Bonmati 6, Abelleira 8, Putellas 8, Garcia 7, Paralluelo 7, Caldentey 7
- Subs: Carmona 8, Del Castillo 7, Guijarro 7
- Nigeria: Nnadozie 8, Alozie 7, Ohale 7, Demehin 6, Okeke 7, Ucheibe 7, Abiodun 6, Ajibade 6, Oyedupe Payne 6, Oshoala 6, Okoronkwo 7
- Subs: Ihezuo 7, Kanu 6, Onumonu 6, Payne 7
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