Reigning vice champions Japan edged Nigeria 2-1 in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia on Friday morning, ending the promising journey of the Falconets.
A goal in each half, first by Miyu Matsunaga and then by Maya Hijikata, meant that Olushola Shobowale’s composed finish one minute into time-added-on was too little too late in driving rain at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.
The tenacious Maya Hijikata came close in the 13th minute, almost capitalizing as goalkeeper Faith Omilana came out to punch the ball from a cross, but Comfort Folorunsho was on the line to rescue the situation.
Japan’s famed electric pace and clever flicks and chips were countered by Nigeria’s fit-fighting approach and positional play. But in the 18th minute, Japan came close again when Uno Shiragaki and Manaka Matsukubo missed getting a touch on the ball as Rio Sasaki carved open Nigeria’s defence from a free kick on the right.
The East Asians would go in front in the 33rd minute, as Matsunaga headed home a cross by Rihona Ujihara.
Four minutes before the break, Nigeria could have levelled when Rofiat Imuran’s in-swinger from the left rattled goalkeeper Akana Okuma, but Maya Hijikata cleared the ball off the line.
Hijikata made it two for Japan in the 66th minute when she drove the ball into the net after a cross from the right by Chinari Sasai. Omilana punched over fierce shots by Matsunaga and Suzu Amano in the 77th and 86th minute respectively, but Nigeria made it a tense finish when Shobowale coolly slotted in a cross from the left by substitute Goodness Osigwe.
Japan's Dominance in the Group Stage
Japan arrived at the knockout stage with a perfect record, having thrashed New Zealand 7-0, crushed Ghana 4 – 1, and secured a 2-0 victory versus Austria in the last matchday. The team's dominant performance saw them finish with a perfect nine points, scoring 13 goals while conceding just one.
Nigeria's Fight for the Knockout Stage
The Falconets earned their spot in the knockout stage after recording victories over South Korea and Venezuela, despite a 3-1 defeat against Germany sandwiched in between. Their qualification was a testament to the team's resilience and determination.
Japan's Mindset for the Clash
Asaho Hidaka, a forward for Japan, acknowledged the strength of the Falconets, emphasizing the tough challenge they presented. Despite the tough opposition, Hidaka expressed Japan's unwavering determination to secure a victory and advance to the quarterfinals.
The Match That Was: A Recap
The match between Japan and Nigeria was a thrilling contest that saw both teams display their strengths and weaknesses. Japan's superior firepower and control of the game ultimately proved too much for Nigeria to overcome. The Falconets fought valiantly throughout the match, but ultimately fell short.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Falconets
While the Falconets may have been eliminated from the tournament, their performance in the group stage, reaching the Round of 16, showcases their potential. The team's experience in this tournament will serve as a valuable lesson for their future development. The future of Nigerian women's football looks bright with young talents like the Falconets ready to make their mark on the world stage.
The Next Chapter: Japan's Road to the Quarterfinals
Japan's victory over Nigeria sets them up for a rematch against Spain in the quarterfinals. This match will be a highly anticipated affair, as both teams are considered contenders for the championship. The outcome of this match will determine Japan's fate in the tournament.
