Japan W 2-0 Nigeria W: Super Falcons suffer consecutive defeats to Nadeshiko

Nine-time African Champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria on Thursday were defeated 2-0 by former World Champions, Japan’s Nadeshiko 2-0 in an international friendly match in Kobe.

Mina Tanaka scored two goals in the space of four second-half minutes to hand Japan the victory.

The game which was the fourth encounter between both sides saw the Japanese coach giving Chika Hirao, Nanami Kitamura, Saki Kumagai, Shiori Miyake, Hinata Miyazawa, Fuka Nagano, Hikaru Naomoto, Risa Shimizu, Hina Siguta, Hana Takahashi, and Mina Tanaka starting shirts.

Coach Randy Waldrum started the game with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal for Nigeria alongside Deborah Abiodun, Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Uchenna Kanu, Glory Ogbonna, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Okobi-Ekeoghene, Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Christy Ucheibe.

Japan dominated game didn’t produce goals in the first half as the Nigerian side contained the attacking threats from the host. Ucheibe was booked in the 23rd minute forcing Coach Waldrum to replace her with Vivian Ikechukwu in the 39th minute.

Her replacement was also booked in the 44th minute before Hikaru Naomoto received Japan’s first yellow card in the additional minutes of the first half.

After a goalless first half, Japan’s incessant pressure finally yielded result with a free kick in a dangerous area.

The resulting free kick in the 64th minute located Mina Tanaka who slotted the ball past Chiamaka Nnadozie into the bottom left corner.

Four minutes later, Japan doubled its lead as Mina Tanaka converted from the penalty spot wrong footing Chiamaka Nnadozie and placing the ball into the bottom right corner.

The defeat was the fifth straight for Nigeria after losing to Morocco (on penalties), Zambia (1-0), USWNT twice (4-0 and 2-1 respectively) and overall seventh during the year 2022 in all competitions.

Both sides are using the game to prepare for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. Japan will next face World Cup co-host, New Zealand and European Champions, English Lionesses on October 9 and November 11 respectively.