The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympics after losing 3:1 to Japan on Wednesday.
Maika Hamano and Mina Tanaka put Japan up early on, and Hikaru Kitagawa added another goal after Jennifer Echegini believed she had given the Super Falcons a lifeline.
Nadeshiko Japan finished second in Group B, two points behind world champions Spain, who defeated Brazil 2:0.
Echegini replaced Esther Okoronkwo in the lineup, and her magnificent goal was the lone bright spot in another below-par performance by Randy Waldrum’s team.
Japan broke the deadlock in the 21st minute by capitalising on a counterattack. Riko Ueki’s exquisite pass found Maika Hamano, who tucked the ball beyond Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The previous world champs did not slow down. In the 32nd minute, Riko Ueki’s header rebounded off the post, allowing Mina Tanaka to increase Japan’s lead.
Nigeria pulled one back just before the break. Four minutes before halftime, Christy Ucheibe set up Echegini, who made no mistakes in cutting the deficit.
However, Japan quickly restored their two-goal lead with Hikaru Hitagawa’s magnificent free kick, leaving Nnadozie with no chance.
VAR intervened early in the second half to review Rasheedat Ajibade’s shove in the penalty area.
To the Super Falcon’s relief, no penalties were imposed. Japan continued to threaten, with Kiko Seike nearly adding to their tally in the 65th minute, but her header was off goal.
Echegini attempted a comeback with a long-range shot, but Japan’s goalkeeper, Ayaka Yamashita, was up to the task.
