Sports

Falcons Eliminated From 2024 Olympics After Loss To Japan

Published

4 months ago

Aug 1, 2024.

Japan defeated Nigeria 3-1 in their final Group C match at the Paris Olympics, eliminating the Super Falcons from the tournament.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Clinical Japan defeated Nigeria 3-1 in the final Group C women’s football event at the Paris Olympics, sending the African giants home.

First-half goals from Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka, and Hikaru Kitagawa ensured Futoshi Ikeda’s ladies finished second in the group, securing a quarter-final spot at Nigeria’s expense.

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Randy Waldrum retained the side that lost 1-0 to Spain, with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal and a defense line of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Chidinma Okeke, and Osinachi Ohale. Christy Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun played pivots, while Jennifer Echegini, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne formed the midfield, with Asisat Oshoala in attack.

From the outset, the Falcons ceded possession, allowing the 2011 Women’s World Cup winners to dictate play. In the 6th minute, Mina Tanaka tested Nnadozie, who comfortably saved the shot. A crucial block by Ohale in the 16th minute denied Japan a chance to open the scoring.

Japan capitalized on Nigeria’s defensive lapse in the 22nd minute, with Hamano finishing a fine pass from Riko Ueki. Ten minutes later, Tanaka reacted quickest to Ueki’s header off the crossbar, making it 2-0.

Despite a handball appeal in the 34th minute, play continued, frustrating the Falcons. Nigeria responded in the 42nd minute when Abiodun and Echegini combined for a top-corner strike, beating Ayaka Yamashita.

Falcons Olympics Japan

However, Kitagawa’s curling shot in added time restored Japan’s two-goal lead. Echegini almost scored again early in the second half, but her effort was cleared. In the 54th minute, Japan was awarded a penalty, later overruled by VAR.