Heartbreak for Nigeria: Falconets Crash Out of FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup After 2-1 Loss to Japan

• Sep 13, 2024

Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, after a 2-1 defeat to Japan. The loss marks a bitter end to Nigeria’s tournament run, as they were outplayed by a well-organized Japanese team that is now heading to the quarter-finals.

The game began with Japan looking sharp, and they opened the scoring in the first half. A well-timed cross from Rihona Ujihara found Miyu Matsunaga unmarked at the back post, who easily headed the ball home. Nigeria had a glimmer of hope shortly after, when Rofiat Imuran forced a strong save from Japanese goalkeeper Akane Okuma, but they went into the halftime break trailing 1-0.

Japan extended their lead midway through the second half. Maya Hijikata found the back of the net after a well-placed cross from substitute Chinari Sasai. Once again, the Nigerian defense was unable to stop a Japanese player from scoring at the far post, putting the Asian team firmly in control of the match.

In stoppage time, Nigeria managed to pull one back. Olushola Shobowale scored a late goal, giving Nigeria a brief sense of hope. However, it was too little, too late. Japan held on to secure the 2-1 win, ending Nigeria's World Cup journey and booking their own place in the quarter-finals.

The result was particularly tough for the Falconets, as this marks the third consecutive U-20 World Cup where Japan has eliminated them. Japan had previously beaten Nigeria in the 2012 and 2016 tournaments as well.

With this victory, Japan will now face Spain in the quarter-finals, a rematch of the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup final. Joining them in the quarter-finals are host nation Colombia, along with the USA, Brazil, North Korea, Spain, and Germany.

Despite their early exit, Nigeria showed glimpses of potential throughout the tournament, but Japan’s disciplined play and clinical finishing proved too much for them on the day.