Ogasabi reports on the 9am news that Spain advanced to the women’s quarterfinals in Paris 2024 after a 1-0 victory over Nigeria. A looping free kick from Alexia Putellas, five minutes from time, secured the win for Spain. Despite struggling to break through their Group C opponents, with attacker Salma Paralluelo’s second-half goal disallowed, Spain managed to clinch the crucial victory.
On the 9am news Nigeria, Ogasabi highlighted that Paralluelo came close on numerous occasions, and Putellas’ shot was cleared off the line as the game seemed destined for a goalless draw. However, Nigeria conceded an unnecessary free kick, which Putellas expertly floated over goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to seal the win. This victory places Spain at the top of Group C with six points after two games, securing their advancement to the knockout round before their final group game against Brazil.
Meanwhile, Nigeria remains without points and will need to defeat Japan in their final match to have any hope of qualifying. With Japan’s surprising victory over Brazil in the other Group C encounter, Nigeria knew that a point against Spain would boost their prospects of advancing. Despite being under pressure from the World Cup winners, Nigeria quickly responded with Esther Okoronkwo forcing goalkeeper Cata Coll to make a crucial save.
Moving On
Spain, aiming to win the Olympic Games for the first time, came close to opening the scoring when Aitana Bonmati’s attempt was blocked by a defender. The No. 1 ranked team in the world went close again just before the break, but Putellas was denied by a point-blank save from Nnadozie.
Seven minutes into the second half, Paralluelo thought she had broken the deadlock by scoring inside the box, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Paralluelo had another golden chance moments later but headed over the goal. Spain came even closer 10 minutes from time as Putellas beat the goalkeeper with her strike, only for Osinachi Ohale to block the ball off the line.
However, the decisive goal came five minutes later when Putellas’ floated free kick confused goalkeeper Nnadozie and flew into the net. Ogasabi reports on the 9am news Nigeria that Spain will face Brazil and Japan will meet Nigeria in the final Group C matches at 16:00 on Wednesday. Stay tuned to the 9am news for more updates on this exciting tournament.
