Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on Sunday night following their elimination from the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The 2010 and 2014 finalists bowed out of the tournament after a hard-fought 1-2 loss to Japan in the Round of 16.
Japanese forwards Matsunaga and Hijikata found the net in the 33rd and 65th minutes, respectively. Despite a late consolation goal by substitute Olushola Shobowale in the 91st minute, the Falconets were unable to complete the comeback.
In the group stage, the Falconets started with a 1-0 victory over South Korea, followed by a 3-1 loss to Germany and a resounding 4-0 win over Venezuela in their final group match secured their spot for the knockout stage.
Unfortunately, their dreams of winning the coveted title for the first time were dashed by Japan’s clinical performance.
Meanwhile, the semi-final fixtures for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been confirmed.
Japan advanced to the last four with a 1-0 victory over Spain, while the United States edged past Germany 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The semi-final matches are set to take place on Wednesday and Thursday, as the competition heats up in its final stages.
