Japan secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a rain-soaked match in Bogotá, advancing to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The 2018 champions dominated early, with Rihona Ujihara delivering a pinpoint cross in the 33rd minute, allowing an unmarked Miyu Matsunaga to head the ball into the net.
Nigeria’s Rofiat Imuran responded shortly after, testing Japan’s goalkeeper Akane Okuma, but the Asian side maintained their lead going into halftime, as they have consistently done throughout Colombia 2024.
In the second half, Japan doubled their advantage when Maya Hijikata finished a cross from substitute Chinari Sasai, joining Brazil’s Vendito at the top of the Adidas Golden Boot race.
Though Olushola Shobowale scored a late goal for Nigeria in stoppage time, Japan held on to their lead, booking a highly anticipated quarter-final rematch with Spain, recalling the 2022 final.
