Two second half goals by Japan’s Mina Tanaka condemned Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a 0-2 defeat in their international friendly match at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian senior women national football team could not keep up with the pace of the Japanese side in the game.
A string of brilliant saves by first choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie kept Nigeria in the game in the first half.
But the Falcons almost took a surprise lead when defender Ashleigh Plumptre struck the woodwork from a free-kick.
Japan went on to score when Tanaka chested the ball from a free-kick and slammed past Nnadozie in the 65th minute.
Her second goal came three minutes later, from the penalty kick spot, after a harsh challenge from Osinachi Ohale on an advancing Japanese forward in the Nigeria area.
NAN reports that both teams used the game as part of their preparations for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.
The game was the third meeting between the two continental giants in women’s football but Japan proved to be too good for Nigeria.
Things have gone from bad to worse for the Randy Waldrum-led Falcons following another defeat.
The Super Falcons were without star forward, Asisat Oshoala but still had enough quality to get at least a draw against Japan.
However, it was not meant to be as the Nigerians failed to build on a positive first half performance which ended goalless.
With the result on Thursday, Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons have now failed to win any of the last five matches.
