September 13, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Falconets have been eliminated from the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia after losing 2-1 to Japan. The match began with both teams vying for control in the opening minutes. Japan took the lead in the 33rd minute when Miyu Matsunaga broke the deadlock.
Despite creating several opportunities, the Falconets were unable to equalise before half-time. Chris Danjuma’s team showed improvement after the break, but Japan’s defence held firm. Maya Hijikata extended Japan’s lead in the 63rd minute, putting the match further out of reach for Nigeria.
Japan nearly scored a third goal in the 86th minute when Susu Amano’s shot hit the post. Nigeria managed to pull one back in added time through Olusola Shobowale, but it was too late to change the outcome.
The defeat marks the end of Nigeria’s campaign in the tournament. Japan will now progress to the next stage, while the Falconets exit Colombia and head home earlier than hoped.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
