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By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team the Falconets this morning had their participation at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Columbia come to an abrupt end after they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Japan in the round of 16

The Falconets who reached the last 16 after winning two out of their three group matches showed grit and stoicism in the game but the Asians’ superior fire power showed on the 33rd minute when Miyu Matsunaga got the opener

With the first half ending a goal in favour of Japan, the Nigerians returned with more composition and determination in the second half. They made frantic efforts to restore parity, however, their situation got compounded when Japan, again, increased the tally to two goals on 63rd minute.

Not deterred, the Falconets fought harder and took the game to the Japanese and their effort was rewarded in 90+1′ when Olushola Shobowale pulled one back off Goodness Osigwe pass.

Their effort to push the game into extra time yielded no further result as the Asians booked their place into the last 8 with 2-1 victory.