Despite a late goal, Nigeria’s Falconets could not overturn Japan’s lead in the Round of 16 of the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, bringing to an end their tournament run.
Thus, the Falconets have been eliminated from the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia following a 2-1 defeat to Japan.
The opening minutes were keenly contested with both teams looking to gain the upper hand. Japan, however, was the first to break the deadlock through Miyu Matsunaga goal three minutes after the half hour mark.
The Falconets were unable to get back into the game before the break despite creating few chances of their own. Chris Danjuma’s side were the better side after the break but the Japanese stood firm at the back.
Reliable forward, Maya Hijikata doubled Japan’s lead in the 63rd minute.
Susu Amano was denied by the post four minutes from time as the Asians looked to make the scoreline more emphatic.
Olusola Shobowale however reduced the deficit for Nigeria in added time.