LAGOS, July 31, 2024 – Japan’s women’s team secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament with a commanding first-half performance, defeating Nigeria 3-1 and finishing second in their group.
Futoshi Ikeda’s team took the lead with goals from Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka, and Hikaru Kitagawa, leaving Nigeria’s Falcons, led by Randy Waldrum, unable to progress past the group stage.
Waldrum retained the lineup that lost narrowly to Spain, with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal and a defense featuring Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Chidinma Okeke, and Osinachi Ohale. Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun anchored the midfield, supported by Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne, while Asisat Oshoala spearheaded the attack.
From the kickoff, Japan dominated possession. Mina Tanaka’s early effort was comfortably saved by Nnadozie, but Japan’s pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Maika Hamano finished a pass from Riko Ueki, who had beaten Nigeria’s offside trap.
Japan continued to dominate, and ten minutes later, Tanaka reacted quickly to a Ueki header that hit the crossbar, doubling Japan’s lead. Despite a shout for handball in the 34th minute, which was waved off by the referee, Nigeria began to gain control.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 42nd minute when Jennifer Echegini, following a neat exchange with Abiodun, scored a spectacular goal to bring Nigeria back into the game. However, Japan restored their two-goal advantage just before halftime, with Kitagawa’s curling shot from a set piece beating Nnadozie.
Nigeria pushed hard in the second half, with Echegini coming close to scoring again early on. In the 54th minute, Japan was awarded a penalty after Ajibade’s foul, but the decision was overturned by VAR. Despite their efforts, the Falcons couldn’t break through Japan’s defense a second time.
As time ran out, Nigeria, 11-time African champions, searched desperately for a consolation goal but were unable to convert their chances. The defeat meant Nigeria finished at the bottom of Group C, having lost all three of their group games and earning zero points.
