Japan, the reigning vice champions, triumphed over Nigeria with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia on Friday morning. This heartbreaking loss marked the end of the Falconets’ promising journey.
Miyu Matsunaga and Maya Hijikata scored a goal each, with Olushola Shobowale managing to salvage one goal for Nigeria in the final minute of added time amidst pouring rain at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.
Maya Hijikata displayed her tenacity early on, coming close to scoring in the 13th minute. However, goalkeeper Faith Omilana and Comfort Folorunsho ensured the ball did not find the back of the net.
Nigeria’s fit-fighting approach and well-structured defense countered Japan’s renowned speed and skillful plays.
In the 18th minute, Japan had another opportunity to score when Uno Shiragaki and Manaka Matsukubo failed to make contact with the ball after a brilliant free kick by Rio Sasaki from the right.
The East Asians finally broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Matsunaga headed the ball into the net from a cross delivered by Rihona Ujihara.
Nigeria had a chance to equalize four minutes before halftime when Rofiat Imuran’s cross from the left unsettled goalkeeper Akana Okuma, but Maya Hijikata came to Japan’s rescue, clearing the ball off the line.
In the 66th minute, Hijikata extended Japan’s lead to two goals after receiving a well-placed cross from the right courtesy of Chinari Sasai.
In the 77th and 86th minutes, Omilana made crucial saves against fierce shots from Matsunaga and Suzu Amano, respectively. Nonetheless, Nigeria managed to make it a tense finish when Shobowale calmly slotted in a cross from the left, assisted by substitute Goodness Osigwe.
Japan will face Spain in the quarter-finals, setting up a rematch of the final match from the previous edition in Costa Rica two years ago.