The Super Falconets will take on Japan in the round of 16 at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, set to be held at the Estadio Metropolitano de Bogotá on Friday, September 13.
Christopher Danjuma’s team advanced to this stage after dominating Venezuela 4-0 at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali on Saturday. They finished second in their group, with six points, behind Germany. The Falconets opened their campaign with a victory against South Korea but were later defeated 3-1 by Germany, who secured maximum points to top the group.
Their next challenge is against Japan, one of the standout teams in the tournament, with a perfect record from the group stage. The Asian powerhouse has been prolific in attack and solid defensively, scoring 13 goals and conceding just one across three matches, finishing atop Group E with nine points and an impressive +12 goal difference.
Japan began their campaign by dismantling New Zealand 7-0, followed by a 4-1 win over Ghana, and wrapped up their group matches with a 2-0 victory over Austria.
In their final group game at Estadio El Techo in Bogotá on Sunday, September 8, Maya Hijikata’s two goals were enough to lead Japan to victory over Austria, earning her Player of the Match honors. Hijikata has been a standout player, with four goals in the tournament so far, making her a key threat Nigeria will need to monitor closely.
Japan, the 2018 U-20 Women’s World Cup champions, are known for their consistency, having also achieved a perfect group stage campaign in that edition.
Nigeria, meanwhile, has been ever-present in the competition since its inception in 2002, with its best performances being runners-up in 2010 and 2014. Despite the formidable challenge ahead, the Falconets are determined and confident as they prepare to face the in-form Japanese side.
If Nigeria emerges victorious, they will face either Spain or Canada in the quarterfinals.
