The Falconets of Nigeria, early hours of Friday fell to the Japanese girls in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The Falconets narrow loss 2-1 to 2018 champions Japan in Bogota.
Chris Danjuma’s girls dominated possession for the better part of the game but failed to really threatened the Japanese defence.
After a feisty opening exchanges, Japan took the lead through Miyu Matsunaga.
The Falconets put up a good fight but were unable to get back into the game before the break.
The West Africans were the better side on resumption on play but the Japanese stood firm at the back.
Reliable forward Maya Hijikata doubled Japan’s lead in the 63rd minute.
Susu Amano was denied by the post four minutes from time as the Asians look to make the scoreline more emphatic.
Olusola Shobowale however reduced the deficit for Nigeria in added time.