Nigeria have been knocked out of the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup following a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to Japan in the Round of 16 match at the El Techo Stadium in Bogotá.

The first half saw a tightly contested battle, but Japan eventually broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute to take a 1-0 lead.

The Falconets fought hard for an equalizer, with a near miss from Rofiat Imuran just before halftime, but Japan’s defense held firm.

In the second half, Japan doubled their lead in the 65th minute, putting Nigeria further on the back foot.

The Falconets tried to fight for a come back after scoring late goal from Olushola Shobowale in stoppage time (90+1), assisted by Goodness Osigwe.

Nigeria’s midfielder Olushola Shobowale reacts after scoring during the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup round of 16 match against Japan. (Photo by RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty Images)

However, it was too little too late as Japan secured their passage to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory.

Players of Japan celebrate after winning the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup round of 16 match against Nigeria. (Photo by RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty Images)

For Christopher Danjuma’s side, they started with a strong form, losing just one game in their group stage and winning the other two to reach the first knockout stage.

Despite their rating pre-tournament, the Falconets have failed to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2016.