Super Falcons foes Japan thrash Ghana in Pre-Olympic friendly

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

One of Nigeria’s opponent at the women’s football event of Paris 2024 Olympics, Japan fired a huge warning to the Super Falcons with a 4-0 thrashing of West African neighbours, Ghana in an international friendly match in the early hours of Saturday in Tanazawa.

A red card to Portia Boakye started the bad patch for the Black Queens in the 23rd minute of play.

The Nadeshikos could not break the stubborn Ghanaian defence in the first half.

Six minutes after the restart, Maika Hamano set up Mina Tanaka who opened the scoring for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions.

In the 65th minute, Tanaka returned the favours to Hamano who doubled the lead for the Asian side.

Ten minute later, Aoba Fujino increased the lead the three before Riko Ueki made it 4-0 from Fujino’s assist.

The encounter was Japan’s last tune-up match ahead of their trip to France for Paris 2024 Olympics.

They will start their campaign against reigning world champions, Spain, the team they also thrashed 4-0 in the group stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in their first group match on July 25.

Thee days later, Japan will face South American powerhouse Brazil before concluding Group C with the clash against Nigeria on July 31.

The Super Falcons solitary win at the Olympics came against Japan at Athens 2004 in Greece where the team reached the quarter final.