Clinical Japan defeated Nigeria 3-1 in the final Group C women’s football match at the Paris Olympics, sending the African giants home, The PUNCH reports.
First-half goals from Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka, and Hikaru Kitagawa ensured Futoshi Ikeda’s team finished second in the group, booking a place in the quarter-finals at Nigeria’s expense.
Nigeria’s coach Randy Waldrum retained the lineup that lost 1-0 to Spain in their second game, with Chiamaka Nnadozie starting in goal and a defense featuring Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Chidinma Okeke, and Osinachi Ohale. Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun played in midfield pivot positions, supported by Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne, while Asisat Oshoala led the attack.
From the start, the Falcons ceded possession to Japan, allowing the 2011 Women’s World Cup winners to dictate play. Mina Tanaka tested Nnadozie early, but the goalkeeper made a comfortable save.
Japan took the lead in the 22nd minute through Maika Hamano, who finished a fine pass from Riko Ueki after exploiting Nigeria’s defensive lapse. Ten minutes later, Mina Tanaka doubled Japan’s lead, reacting quickly to a rebound off the crossbar.
The Falcons managed to pull one back in the 42nd minute when Jennifer Echegini fired a shot into the top corner, but Japan restored their two-goal lead in first-half stoppage time with a curling free-kick from Hikaru Kitagawa.
In the second half, Nigeria came close to scoring again, but their efforts were thwarted by Japan’s defense. A penalty awarded to Japan was overturned by VAR, giving the Falcons a brief respite. Despite pressing hard, Nigeria couldn’t break through, missing several opportunities to score.
The loss means Nigeria exits the tournament after losing all three group games, finishing bottom of Group C with zero points.
