Former Super Falcons head coach, Rolandson Odey insists the team Randy Waldrum must shelve his cautious, defensive approach and make adjustments to give Nigeria any hope of qualifying from the group stages of the Paris 2024, Olympic Games when they take on Japan this Wednesday.

Nigeria plays its final group match against 2011 world champions Japan, and two previous defeats to Brazil and Spain – both by slim margins – means the Falcons must keep a disciplined defensive line and be clinical in the final third.

Odey lamented the team’s profligacy upfront and argues that the missed chances have cost Nigeria more in the tournament – Nigeria has scored no goals so far.

The former Super Falcons coach, however, praised the midfield and defence for their defensive coordination and the team’s character.

He stressed the need to work even harder against Nadeshiko, who are equally chasing a ticket to the next round of the Games.

Wednesday’s clash will be the second meeting between Nigeria and Japan in the Olympic Games, the former earned a hard fought 1-0 win back in 2004.

However, both have met three times and since their defeat at the Athens Games, Japan have won back to back, though in friendly meetings, the most recent being in 2022.

Nadeshiko are second in group C, with three points from two games and are in automatic qualification spot for the next round.

On the other hand, Nigeria has zero points from two games, are bottom of the group but could still qualify as the third best team if they get a convincing victory and results elsewhere – Brazil, Australia and Canada – go in their favor.

Stade de la Beaujoire will host the encounter between the two teams, at 4pm local time.