Falcons book q-final ticket, despite loss to Sweden…To play Germany on Friday
By Morakinyo Abodunrin, Athens
Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Super Falcons of Nigeria, on Tuesday, qualified for the quarter finals of the female football event of Athens Olympics in spite of their 1–2 loss to Sweden.

The Falcons, who played a much determined game than they did in their last match against Japan, drew the first blood when Mercy Akide scored in the 25th minute of the game and held on till the end of the interval with good passes and understanding between the defence and the midfield.

At the resumption of play in the second half, the Falcons suddenly lost concentration, giving way to the Swedes to equalise in the 68th minute through Marklund Hanna.

The goal added more spice to the Swede’s attack, who wasted no time in scoring their second goal in the 73rd minute through Mostroem Malin.
As the coach of the Super Falcons, Ismaila Mabo, noticed the fatigue which was evident on the Nigerian defence and attack, he decided to pull out Mercy Akide for Ameh Ajuma. But the substitution did not give any leverage to the team as Ajuma was no where to be found on the pitch. This made the Swedes to threaten to score a third goal but were stopped by the woodworks.

However, credit must be given to goalkeeper Precious Dede, who stood between the post and the Swedes as she showed no sign of jittery to still keep the Falcons in the race for a medal.
Had the Falcons conceded one more goals their hopes of making it to the quarter finals would have been lost.

Meanwhile, the team will face Germany on Friday in the one of the quarter final matches.
It would be recalled that before going to the Olympics, the Falcons played the Germans in a match they lost 3–1. However, this would be an opportunity for them to revenge the defeat.

It is true that Germany are favoured to win the tie, but since the game of football is no Mathematics, determination and discipline in all department might see the Nigerian team nearer to a medal.