September 13, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Bogota, Colombia, Japan’s U20 women’s national team emerged victorious against Nigeria with a 2-1 win.
The match, which kicked off at 2:00 a.m. Nigerian time at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, saw Japan dominate with their swift passing game, penetrating Nigeria’s defense with ease.
Miyu Matsunaga scored the opening goal for Japan in the 33rd minute, giving the Asian team a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
Despite Nigeria’s strong start to the second half, they struggled to break through Japan’s defense, conceding a second goal in the 65th minute when Maya Hijikata slotted the ball into the Nigerian net.
In a last-ditch effort, Olushola Shobowale scored a consolation goal for Nigeria in the 91st minute, just three minutes after coming into the game.
However, it was too little, too late, as Japan held on to secure their semifinal spot.
With this result, Nigeria’s Falconets, finalists in 2010 and 2014, have been eliminated from the tournament, falling 1-2 to Japan’s firepower.
