Nigeria's Super Falconets saw their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup journey come to a heart-wrenching end as Japan claimed a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 in Bogota on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite a late surge from Nigeria, early dominance and clinical finishing from Japan sealed their passage to the quarter-finals.
The game kicked off with Japan dictating the tempo, using their swift interplay and clever movements to unsettle the Nigerian defence.
Their persistence nearly paid off in the 13th minute when goalkeeper Faith Omilana misjudged a cross, but Comfort Folorunsho came to Nigerias rescue, clearing off the line.
The pressure mounted as Japan continuously probed the Nigerian backline. In the 33rd minute, Miyu Matsunaga broke the deadlock, heading in a precise cross from Rihona Ujihara to give Japan the lead.
