Japan 2-1 Nigeria: Nadeshiko knocks out Falconets at FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

Nigeria's youth women's national team known as the Falconets are out of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Early on Friday, September 13, 2024 the Falconets of Nigeria suffered a 1-2 loss to their counterparts from Japan in a round of 16 fixture.

The Falconets came into the clash with a loss to Germany and two victories against the Korea Republic and Venezuela.

Japan on the other hand beat Austria, Ghana, and New Zealand in style to top their group.

It was always going to be a difficult challenge for Chris Danjuma and his Falconets to advance.

In a first half with very little chances, it was Japan that struck first when Miyu Matsunaga converted a ball by Rihona Ujihara in the 33rd minute.

That would be the only goal of the first half as Japan went to the break with a narrow lead.

In the second half, Japan took control of the game and doubled their advantage with a second goal by Maya Hijikata in the 65th minute.

The Falconets then began to press the issue only to pull one back in added time when Olushola Shobowale converted a ball through to her by Goodness Osigwe.

It was too late as the Falconets could not grab a second to send the game to extra time.

It finished 2-1 to the Japanese as they held on to book a quarterfinal clash with Spain while the Falconets are out of the tournament.