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Former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, has praised the Super Falcons of Nigeria following their narrow loss to Brazil in their 2024 Summer Olympics opener, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The former AS Monaco forward commended the Nigerian ladies for their effort, noting that they played their hearts out for both their country and the continent.

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Randy Waldrum’s squad surprised the Canarinhas, making it difficult for the South Americans in their first Group C match at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium.

Despite the loss, the 11-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions had 15 goal attempts. Gremio goalkeeper Lorena made several remarkable saves that prevented Nigeria from taking the lead.

Ikpeba, in a quote from ScoreNigeria, acknowledged the Nigerian side’s efforts and their near misses.

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The former Super Eagles player, capped 31 times, emphasized that the Nigerian men’s senior national team could learn from the Falcons’ valiant effort.

Looking ahead, the Nigerian women’s team faces an even tougher challenge as they take on the current Women’s World Cup champions, Spain, in their upcoming game at the Stade De La Beaujoire.

Ikpeba believes that Nigeria’s key to progressing from the group lies in their match against Japan. He expressed confidence in the Falcons’ ability to compete fiercely against Spain and Japan.

A draw against Spain and a victory against Japan could still put Nigeria on course for the next round of qualification.

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