Paris 2024 Olympics: Japan vs Nigeria Match Preview

• Japan Women and Nigeria Women are set for a crucial encounter at the Stade de La Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau on Wednesday, as both teams vie for a place in the Olympic quarter-finals.

Japan, currently second in Group C with three points will seek to solidify their standing, while Nigeria, bottom of the group after two defeats, will aim to revive their campaign with a win.

Match Preview

Japan's journey in the Tokyo Olympics began with a challenging 2-1 defeat against reigning world champions Spain, putting them on the back foot.

Futoshi Ikeda's ladies faced further adversity against Brazil in their second group match. A missed penalty by Mina Tanaka in first-half stoppage time seemed to set the tone, and Brazil capitalized with a 56th-minute opener.

However, Japan mounted a stunning comeback with a dramatic 92nd-minute penalty converted by Saki Kumagai before substitute Momoko Tanikawa then sealed the victory with a stunning long-range goal, which propelled Japan to second place in the group.

They now stand three points behind leaders Spain and three points ahead of Nigeria. With a strong Olympic pedigree, having reached the knockout stages in their last four appearances, Japan is keen to avoid an early exit and is focused on delivering a decisive performance against Nigeria.

For Nigeria, the tournament has been disappointing so far. In their first Olympic appearance since 2008, the Super Falcons have struggled to find their rhythm.

They narrowly lost 1-0 to Brazil in their opening game and suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain, with Alexia Putellas scoring a late free-kick to snatch the win.

The Super Falcons are yet to score in the tournament, extending their goal drought to three consecutive internationals. They need a win against Japan to keep their hopes of advancing alive, either by securing second place or as one of the best third-placed teams.

Head to head

Nigeria can draw some confidence from their only previous competitive encounter with Japan, where they secured a 1-0 victory at the 2004 Athens Olympics, thanks to Vera Okolo's goal.

However, Japan has since won all three subsequent friendly matches against Nigeria, each with a 2-0 scoreline.

Team News

Japan will be without defender Risa Shimizu, who suffered a knee injury in their opening match against Spain.

Momoko Tanikawa, who impressed as a substitute against Brazil, could be rewarded with a starting position. Additionally, Riko Ueki, who played over 30 minutes as a substitute in the previous game, is in contention to start.

Nigeria's coach Randy Waldrum may opt to retain the same lineup that performed valiantly against Spain.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is expected to start, with a defensive line comprising Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Chidinma Okeke.

Deborah Abuodun and Christy Ucheibe have been brilliant in midfield while in attack, six-time African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala is set to lead the line for the Super Falcons after impressing against Spain.

Possible lineups

Japan's possible starting lineup (5-3-2): Yamashita; Moriya, Takahashi, Kumagai, Minami, Koga; Hasegawa, Nagano, Tanikawa; Ueki, Tanaka

Nigeria's possible starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Okeke; Ucheibe, Abiodun; T Payne, Okoronkwo, Ajibade; Oshoala

Match details

Competition: Paris 2024 Olympics
Match: Nigeria vs Japan
Date: Wednesday, June 31st, 2024
Venue: Stade de la Beaujoire - Louis Fonteneau, Nantes
Kickoff Time: 4 pm (Nigerian time)