Nigeria's Super Falcons, preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics, faced a scare when players were trapped in a French hotel elevator. Despite this, they remain focused on their group matches against Brazil, Spain, and Japan. Four alternate players have returned to Nigeria, while Ifeoma Onumonu joins the main squad.
The Super Falcons, Nigeria's women's national football team, faced an unexpected challenge during their stay in France as they prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Under the guidance of American head coach Randy Waldrum, the team had just concluded a training camp in Seville, Spain, and played a friendly match against Canada in Malaga. Despite losing 1-0 in regulation time, they won 5-4 on penalties.
The team arrived in Bordeaux on Thursday after traveling from Spain via Paris. However, their time at the hotel took a dramatic turn when players Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Tochukwu Oluehi, and others were trapped in an elevator. Despite the tense situation, the players remained calm and were eventually rescued. One player vowed not to use the elevator again during their stay.
Four alternate squad members—Alani Jumoke, Ademola Morufat, Gift Monday, and Regina Otu—who had trained with the main team, returned to Nigeria. Ifeoma Onumonu, initially on the alternate list, was promoted to the main squad following Halimotu Ayinde’s injury.
Before departing, the alternate players visited the Nigerian Embassy in Paris on Friday. Nigeria's Super Falcons are set to face Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the group stage of the Olympic women's football tournament. Historically, the Super Falcons have struggled at the Olympics, with one win and eight losses on their record.
