Japan’s focus and teamwork saw them overcome Nigeria’s physicality and secure a 2-1 win in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Women’s U-20 World Cup in Bogotá.
“We knew that Nigeria is physically stronger and faster than us, but everyone was able to stay focused and score the first goal, and then the second. I’m very happy because this is a victory we won together as a team.”- Chinari Sasai, Japan forward.
In a tense Round of 16 encounter at the Estadio El Techo in rainy Bogotá, Japan held off a late surge from Nigeria to claim a 2-1 victory, securing a place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s U-20 World Cup. The win sets up a highly anticipated rematch of the 2022 final against Spain.
Japan’s technical and organized style of play overcame Nigeria’s physicality. Miyu Matsunaga opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, heading in a perfectly placed cross to put Japan in front. The goal marked Matsunaga’s continued impact in the tournament, earning her the Player of the Match honors.
The match remained finely balanced until the 66th minute when Maya Hijikata found the net, tapping in a low cross delivered by substitute Chinari Sasai at the back post. Hijikata’s strike not only doubled Japan’s lead but also pushed her to the top of the adidas Golden Boot race, tying with Brazil’s Vendito for the tournament’s top scorer.
Despite Japan’s dominance, Nigeria refused to go down quietly. In stoppage time, Olushola Shobowale pulled one back for the Super Falcons, injecting late drama into the match. However, Japan held firm and saw out the remaining minutes, maintaining their unbeaten run and extending their streak of scoring in 19 of their last 20 tournament games.
Reflecting on the match, Chinari Sasai, who assisted Hijikata’s goal, credited the team’s focus and collective effort: *“We knew that Nigeria is physically stronger and faster than us, but everyone was able to stay focused and score the first goal, and then the second. I’m very happy because this is a victory we won together as a team.”*
Japan will now face Spain in what promises to be an epic quarterfinal clash, a rematch of the 2022 final, where Japan emerged victorious.
