The Falconets, Nigeria’s under-20 women’s national team, will not continue at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
In a round of 16 match early on Friday, September 13, 2024, the Nigerian Falconets lost 1-2 to their Japanese opponents.
The Falconets entered the match with two wins over Venezuela and the Korean Republic and a loss to Germany.
In contrast, Japan easily defeated Ghana, Austria, and New Zealand to win their group.
In a contested clash, Japan took the lead in the 33rd minute when Miyu Matsunaga converted a pass threw by Rihona Ujihara.
Japan gained command of the match in the second half, and in the 65th minute, Maya Hijikata increased their lead.
The Falconets then started to press the issue, but Olushola Shobowale’s conversion of a ball that Goodness Osigwe had put through gave Nigeria some hope in additional time.
The Falconets failed to secure a second to force extra time in the game.
The Japanese prevailed 2-1 at the final whistle advancing to the quarterfinal, while the Falconets were eliminated from the tournament.
