Nigeria’s Olympic journey in the women’s football competition is now over.

The nine-time African winners were eliminated from the Games on Wednesday night after losing to the Japanese 3-1.

Here are the four lessons that can be learned from the match and the team’s overall tournament performance.

1. Oshoala’s poor form 
 Bay FC Star, Asisdat Oshoala, was a shadow of her brilliant self on the game, as she was largely isolated. 

It’s unknown if having her on the bench against Brazil in the first game had anything to do with it, or whether she was jist too tired from a long season. 

Whatever be the case, this was perhaps the worst international tournament on an individual note for the former Barcelona star. 

The African women’s Footballer of the Year had only 12 matches against Japan and had no shot on target. 

She fared better against Spain with good link up plays. 

2. The Falcons missed Ayinde
The Super Falcons did not prosecute the Olympics Games with influential defensive midfielder, Halimatu Ayinde. 

Ayinde copped an injury before the final squad for the Games was announced. 

Deborah Abiodun was subbed off in the game due to a tight muscle constraint and when she did, there was a big gulf in the DM position. 

3. Nnadozie influence 

But for the saves and presence of Paris FC goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Nigerian side could have conceded more goals. 

That save against Spain should be one of the top five saves of the Olympics so far – men and women combined!

4. Tough group 
The Falcons did okay against Brazil but only lost 1-0 to the South Americans due to lack of concentratio, just few seconds after conceding a goal ruled out by VAR.

They lost chances against Spain but it must be said that the team were unfortunate to be drawn against the best teams in the world including the world champions, Spain and women’s 2011 World Cup champions, Japan.