Brave Falconets crash out of U20 Women's World Cup after narrow loss to Japan

NIGERIA'S Super Falconets have crashed out of the ongoing U20 Women's World Cup in Colombia after succumbing to a 1-2 loss to Japan in the Round of 16 at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota last night.

During the group stages, the Falconets had showed a lot of promise, wining two of their three group games against South Korea and Venezuela. This set up a mouth-watering clash against Japan and despite a late surge from Nigeria, early dominance and clinical finishing from the Japanese sealed their passage to the quarter-finals.

In a high tempo match, 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 the ball off the line.

However, 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 the Japanese the lead.

Mounting a fightback, the Falconets, Nigeria, known for their resilience, nearly responded moments before halftime when Rofiat Imuran’s dangerous delivery tested Japan’s goalkeeper Akana Okuma but defender Maya Hijikata was on hand to clear the danger. After the break, Japan capitalized again on their momentum as 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.

Japanese striker Chinari Sasai, said: "We knew that Nigeria is physically stronger and faster than us but everyone was able to stay focused and score the first goal and then the second. I'm very happy because this is a victory we won together as a team."

Nigeria's Falconets have now not won a knockout match in the U20 World Cup since 2014 and will be hoping to correct that at Poland 2026. In what is proving to be a brilliant tournament for Japan, striker Maya Hijikata is now the joint-top scorer and in the race for the Adidas Golden Boot race along with Brazil’s Vendito.