Nigeria’s Falconets Suffers 2-1 Defeat Against Japan
Nigeria’s Falconets were knocked out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after Japan secured a 2-1 win in the Round of 16 in Bogota on Friday morning.
Japan controlled the game from the start, creating early chances.
In the 13th minute, the Asians striked making Faith Omilana misjudged a cross but Comfort Folorunsho cleared it off the line.
Japan’s pressure paid off in the 33rd minute when Miyu Matsunaga headed in a cross from Rihona Ujihara to give Japan the lead.
Nigeria nearly equalized before halftime with Rofiat Imuran’s delivery testing Japan’s goalkeeper Akana Okuma, but Maya Hijikata cleared the danger.
After the break, Japan extended their lead in the 66th minute when Maya Hijikata scored from a cross by Chinari Sasai.
In stoppage time, Olushola Shobowale pulled one back for the Falconets from a cross by Goodness Osigwe, but it was not enough to prevent Japan’s progression.
Japan will now face Spain in the quarter-finals. Nigeria’s run in Colombia ends with this narrow defeat.
Japan forward Chinari Sasai after the match said the team’s unity as key to their success.
“We knew that Nigeria is physically stronger and faster, but we stayed focused, scored the first goal, and then the second. I’m very happy because this is a victory we won together as a team,” as quoted by FIFA.com.
