Sports

Falconets crash out of FIFA U20 Women W’Cup, lose 1-2 to Japan

Port Moresby, PNG - NOVEMBER 13: Ogechi Precious Ukwuoma #4 of Nigeria and Yui Hasegawa #8 of Japan battle for the ball during their Group B match of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 on November 13, 2016 at Bava Park in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Falconets crash out of FIFA U20 Women W’Cup, lose 1-2 to Japan

The hope of having Nigeria’s Falconets play in the semifinal stage of the ongoing 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup ended early this morning as the team lost to Japan 1-2.

The Japanese U20 women’s national team defeated Nigeria in the quarterfinal game played in Bogota, Colombia.

Newstrends.ng reports that the game which kicked off 2am (Nigerian time) at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo saw the Japanese being a better side with their quick exchange of passes that enabled them to penetrate the Nigeria’s defence.

According to a report by BSNSports.com.ng can report, both sides started strongly in the first 30 minutes after which Miyu Matsunaga score the first goal for Japan in the 33rd minute to end the first half with 1-0 advantage to the Asians.

The Falconets could not break the Japanese defense before they conceded the second goal in the 65th minute when Maya Hijikata slotted in the ball in Nigeria net.

But Olushola Shobowale left it so late before restoring hopes in Nigeria with her effort leading to a goal in the 91st minute just three minutes after she coming into the game.

Nigeria, the 2010 and 2014 finalists, has thus crashed out of the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in the quarterfinal.