Nigeria’s Falconets have exited the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Japan in the second round.
A late goal from Olushola Shobowale was not enough to overturn Miyu Matsunaga and Maya Hijikata’s earlier goals, as the Falconets fell short at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, Colombia, early on Friday.
Against Japan, Nigeria failed to replicate the dominant performance they showed in a 4-0 win over Venezuela in their final group game.
Rofiat Imuran nearly gave the Falconets an early lead, but Japanese goalkeeper Akane Okuma saved her effort.
Soon after, Matsunaga put Japan ahead with a deft finish, and Hijikata extended the lead a few minutes into the second half.
The Falconets struggled to find a fitting response, but Shobowale managed to score for Nigeria during stoppage time.
The late goal was too little, too late, as Japan held on for the win, setting up an epic quarter-final clash with Spain.
