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Falconets fall short as Japan triumph 2-1 in U-20 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 clash

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Osamu Oba
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Nigeria’s Super Falconets saw their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup journey come to a heart-wrenching end as Japan claimed a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 in Bogota on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite a late surge from Nigeria, early dominance and clinical finishing from Japan sealed their passage to the quarter-finals.

The game kicked off with Japan dictating the tempo, using their swift interplay and clever movements to unsettle the Nigerian defence.

Their persistence nearly paid off in the 13th minute when goalkeeper Faith Omilana misjudged a cross, but Comfort Folorunsho came to Nigeria’s rescue, clearing off the line.

The pressure mounted as Japan continuously probed the Nigerian backline. In the 33rd minute, Miyu Matsunaga broke the deadlock, heading in a precise cross from Rihona Ujihara to give Japan the lead.

Nigeria, known for their resilience, nearly responded moments before halftime when Rofiat Imuran’s dangerous delivery tested Japan’s goalkeeper Akana Okuma, but Maya Hijikata was on hand to clear the danger.

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After the break, Japan capitalized again on their momentum. Maya Hijikata doubled their lead in the 66th minute, converting a cross from Chinari Sasai to make it 2-0.

Despite strong saves from Omilana to deny Matsunaga and Suzu Amano, Nigeria struggled to match Japan’s relentless energy and technical prowess.

In stoppage time, the Falconets found a glimmer of hope when Olushola Shobowale latched onto a cross from substitute Goodness Osigwe, calmly slotting home. However, it proved too late for a full comeback as Japan held firm to secure the 2-1 win.

Japan will now face Spain in the quarter-finals, while Nigeria’s promising run in Colombia ends with pride but also the sting of a narrow defeat.