Clinical Japan beat Nigeria 3-1 in the final Group C women’s football event at the Paris Olympics to send the African giants home, The PUNCH reports.
First-half goals from Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka, and Hikaru Kitagawa ensured that Futoshi Ikeda’s ladies finished second in the group to book a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament at the expense of Nigeria.
Randy Waldrum kept faith in the side that lost 1-0 to Spain in their second game, with Chiamaka Nnadozie starting in goal for the Falcons while Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Chidinma Okeke, and Osinachi Ohale played in defence.
The duo Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun played in the pivot positions with Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne in midfield, while Asisat Oshoala played in the attack.
From the sound of the whistle, the Falcons ceded possession to their opponents, allowing the 2011 Women’s World Cup winners to dictate play.
Mina Tanaka tested Nnadozie in the 6th minute, but the goalkeeper comfortably saved the half-volley shot from the winger.
There was a scary moment for the Falcons in the 16th minute as the Asians had a glorious chance to score the opener, but the shot was well blocked by Ohale.
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