The hopes of Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, to make a mark in the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have come to a heartbreaking end after a 2-1 defeat to Japan.
Despite a valiant effort, the Danjuma-led squad was unable to overcome the disciplined Japanese side, marking yet another early exit for Nigeria at this stage of the competition.
A Game of Few Chances
The encounter, which took place in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Colombia, saw the Japanese side dominate for large portions of the match, controlling both possession and the tempo.
The first half was notably bereft of clear-cut chances for both teams, but Japan capitalized on one of their few opportunities to break the deadlock.
In the 33rd minute, Japan’s Miyu Matsunaga found the back of the net after receiving a well-placed pass from teammate Rihona Ujihara.
The goal was the result of a well-coordinated offensive maneuver that left the Falconets’ defense exposed. Matsunaga’s calm and clinical finish past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie set the tone for the remainder of the game, leaving Nigeria on the back foot.
A Struggle for Control
The Nigerian team struggled to match the intensity and tactical awareness of their Japanese counterparts.
Japan’s organized midfield play and quick ball circulation left the Falconets chasing the game. Attempts to launch counter-attacks were often thwarted by Japan’s high pressing, which kept Nigeria pinned back in their own half.
Nigeria’s star striker, Olushola Sobowale, found herself isolated for much of the first half, unable to break free from the tight marking of Japan’s defenders.
The Falconets’ attacking threats were largely neutralized by the disciplined Japanese defense, led by captain Sara Ito. As the first half came to a close, the Nigerian side looked visibly frustrated, searching for a breakthrough that never came.
Japan Doubles Their Lead
The second half began much like the first, with Japan dictating the tempo and Nigeria struggling to find any meaningful rhythm in their play.
The Falconets, desperate to find an equalizer, pushed higher up the pitch, leaving more space behind for Japan to exploit. This strategy would prove costly as Japan struck again in the 63rd minute to double their lead.
Maya Hijjikati, Japan’s forward, was the one to deliver the crucial second goal. Hijjikati picked up the ball in Nigeria’s final third and made a surging run towards the goal, outpacing the Nigerian defense.
Her composed finish into the bottom corner of the net left Nnadozie with no chance and extended Japan’s lead to 2-0. The Nigerian defense, which had been under pressure throughout the game, was left exposed once again.
Sobowale’s Consolation Goal
Despite the two-goal deficit, Nigeria refused to go down without a fight. Coach Christopher Danjuma made several tactical changes, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to change the course of the game. Goodness Osigwe, one of the substitutes, played a crucial role in Nigeria’s lone goal of the match.
In the 76th minute, Osigwe delivered a well-placed cross into Japan’s penalty area, where Olushola Sobowale was waiting.
Sobowale, with impeccable timing, connected with the cross and headed the ball past Japan’s goalkeeper, Hanon Nishio.
The goal, which came as a result of a rare moment of attacking brilliance from Nigeria, provided the Falconets with a glimmer of hope for a potential comeback.
Sobowale’s strike was celebrated by the Nigerian fans in attendance, but the clock was ticking, and time was not on Nigeria’s side.
The Falconets continued to press forward, seeking a second goal that would take the match into extra time. However, Japan’s defense held firm, repelling wave after wave of Nigerian attacks.
Nigeria’s Painful Exit
As the final whistle blew, the Falconets were left to rue their missed opportunities and inability to control the game from the start.
Japan’s tactical superiority and composure in key moments proved decisive, sending the Asian side through to the next stage of the tournament.
For Nigeria, it was yet another disappointing end to a World Cup campaign. The Falconets have not advanced past the quarter-finals since 2014, when they reached the final but lost to Germany.
Despite their consistent qualification for the tournament, the team has struggled to replicate the success of previous generations.
Coach Christopher Danjuma expressed his disappointment in the post-match press conference, acknowledging the team’s shortcomings but praising the players for their effort.
“We came here with high hopes, but unfortunately, we couldn’t execute our game plan as well as we wanted to,” Danjuma said. “Japan is a strong team, and they showed their quality today. I’m proud of my players for fighting until the end.”
A Bright Future Despite the Setback
While Nigeria’s exit from the tournament is a bitter pill to swallow, there are positive takeaways for the future.
Several players, including Sobowale and goalkeeper Nnadozie, showed flashes of brilliance throughout the competition. Their individual performances will no doubt catch the attention of scouts and clubs worldwide.
The Falconets’ journey in Colombia may have ended earlier than hoped, but the experience gained by the young squad could prove invaluable for future international competitions.
Many of the players in this squad are still eligible for the next edition of the U20 Women’s World Cup, and with proper development and exposure, Nigeria could return stronger in future tournaments.
Looking Ahead
For the Falconets, the focus will now shift to regrouping and preparing for future competitions.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is expected to conduct a review of the team’s performance, with an eye on addressing the recurring issues that have prevented the Falconets from advancing past the quarter-final stage in recent years.
Japanese coach Futoshi Ikeda, meanwhile, praised his team’s performance and acknowledged the challenge posed by Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a tough opponent, and we knew we had to be at our best to win,” Ikeda said. “I’m proud of how the team executed our game plan, and we look forward to the next round.”
As Japan advances to the semi-finals, the Falconets will return home with valuable lessons learned. Though their World Cup campaign has ended, the promise of a bright future remains for this talented Nigerian team.
