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A superb long-range free-kick from Alexia Putellas gave world champions Spain a 1-0 win against Nigeria’s Super Falcons in their second Group C match at the women’s football event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday.
This is now two consecutive defeats for the Falcons, while the Spaniards have achieved two victories in two games.
Falcons coach Randy Waldrum made some changes with Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo starting.
The Falcons’ next game will be against Japan on Wednesday, July 31.
The Japanese bounced back from their defeat to Spain with a 2-1 win over Brazil.
Spain came close in the 14th minute through LucĂa GarcĂa, but her shot was not enough to do any damage.
In the 20th minute Salma Paralluelo shot but her effort was saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Three minutes later, Esther Okoronkwo came close to scoring, but was unsuccessful in her attempt on goal.
Alexia Putellas had a shot on goal in the 25th minute, but Nnadozie equalised.
A few minutes later, the Falcons fell to Rasheedat Ajibade, but she was unable to convert.
Ten minutes into the second half, Paralluelo attacked but was caught offside.
In the 69th minute the Falcons counterattacked but offside was called.
In the 72nd minute, the Falcons made double substitutions with Chiwendu Ihezuo and Nicole Payne replacing Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie.
In the 74th minute, Putellas attempted a pass to Nnadozie, but his shot went over the crossbar.
With 16 minutes remaining, a dangerous cross came into the Falcons’ box but was collected by Nnadozie.
Spain came close to scoring again in the 77th minute, but Deborah Abiodun blocked a corner kick in time.
A minute later Irene Paredes received a corner but her header went wide.
With 10 minutes remaining, the Spaniard almost capitalised on a mix-up in the box, but Nnadozie quickly picked up the loose ball.
Osinachi Ohale was the Falcons’ saviour when he cleared the ball off the goal line in the 81st minute.
The breakthrough finally came for Spain in the 85th minute when a Putellas free-kick beat Nnadozie and into the net.
In the 91st minute, Ihezuo made a solo run but was unable to finish beyond the Spanish goalkeeper.
