‘Nigeria is a tough team’ - Brazil goalkeeper Lorena and winning goalscorer Gabi confess

Lorena and Gabi were instrumental for Brazil in their slim 1-0 victory against Nigeria in their opening match of the Paris 2024 Olympics

Gabi scored the winning goal for her team and Lorena made some crucial saves to help seal the win.

The first-half goal in the 37th minute gave the Canarinhas their third win in as many games over the Super Falcons.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper disclosed that the Super Falcons gave them a hard time despite their 1-0 victory.

She claimed that Brazil's readiness and cohesion provided them with an advantage against the nine-time African winners.

Lorena said, according to Football Sierra Leone, “Brazil are well-prepared. Arthur is doing an excellent job, and we saw today how strong our group is. 

“Nigeria is a tough team, but we deserved to win. Our team is united and always ready to compete for the first place.”

Before Brazil scored their first goal, goalkeeper Lorena made a brilliant save at point-blank range from Chinwendu Ihezuo and stopped a vicious drive from Christy Ucheibe.

Then, in the second half, as Nigeria attempted in vain to equalise, the Gremio goalkeeper denied captain Rasheedat Ajibade.

The goal scorer Gabi Nunes also agreed with her colleague Lorena when she said that Nigeria were no pushovers.

Nunes said, “I’m really happy with this game. It was tough, but our team is amazing. We worked hard to play well, and I’m pleased to have scored and helped the team. Now, it’s time to rest and enjoy this moment.”

The Super Falcons' situation does not get any easier as Waldrum and his women will next face Spain and Japan.