Paris 2024: Heartbreak for Nigeria as Putellas stunner sinks wasteful Super Falcons

In a crushing blow to their Olympic dreams, Nigeria's Super Falcons have slumped to a narrow 1-0 defeat against the might of Spain in their Group C clash at the Paris 2024 Games.

The West African giants put in a valiant defensive display, holding out against the world champions for 84 minutes before a moment of magic from Alexia Putellas, who is equalled Lionel Messi record, shattered their resolute resistance.

Trailing to Putellas' stunning free-kick, the Super Falcons desperately sought an equaliser, with substitute Chinwedu Ihezuo presented with a golden opportunity to level the scores late on. 

However, the forward was unable to find the back of the net, leaving Nigeria to rue their missed chances.

It was a cruel defeat for the Nigerians, who had more than held their own against the star-studded Spaniards. 

Sitting deep and soaking up the pressure, the Super Falcons had looked set to secure a hard-earned point, only for Putellas' moment of brilliance to decide the contest.

Nigeria had their opportunities to take something from the game, with Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade, Nigeria’s best player from the opener against Brazil, both coming close in the first half. 

But the ruthlessness of the European champions proved to be the difference, as Putellas' moment of magic proved the decisive blow.

The result leaves the Super Falcons with an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages, having now lost back-to-back matches in Group C. 

With the world champions Spain firmly at the top of the group and through to the last eight, Nigeria's hopes of progressing now hang by a thread.

For manager Randy Waldrum, the defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow, with his side having given everything to frustrate their highly-fancied opponents. 

However, the Super Falcons must now regroup quickly, as they prepare to face Japan in their final group stage encounter, knowing that only a win will suffice if they are to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

As the tears of disappointment flow, the Nigerian public will be hoping that their beloved Super Falcons can summon one final, heroic effort to keep their Olympic dreams alive. The challenge is steep, but with the passion and determination that has defined this team, nothing can be ruled out just yet.