Nigeria Too Much For Japan

Nigeria took a major step towards the quartet-finals with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Augsburg. The Falconets, who had drawn 1-1 with England in their opening game in Group C, now have four points and are sure to be in a good position.

The Japanese drew 3-3 with Mexico in a thrilling come-from-behind encounter on Wednesday but they couldn't build on that as Nigeria made Amarachi Okoronkwo and Desire Oparanozie’s early goals really count despite Mana Iwabuchi’s second half consolation.

The Falconets scored the opener in just the sixth minute after Ebere Orji’s tricky cross caused confusion between Shoko Yamada and goalkeeper Erina Yamane. With a race for the ball, Okoronkwo proved the fastest and touched in her first goal of the Germany tournament.

The discouraging defensive lapse was multiplied just minutes later from what was only Nigeria’s second shot on goal.

Just like all the Falconets' goals in the tournament, it was created by Orji, in this case bursting with menace down the left flank. And again it was the same combination who had struck against England, with Oparanozie finishing coolly at the back post.

So Japan were two goals down for the second match on the trot, and just as they did against the Mexicans, they showed great spirit in their fight-back.

Before half-time the impressive Iwabuchi created a chance — from which Nigeria goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan denied Natsuki Kishikawa — and then spurned one of her own when she dwelt on the ball when all alone in the area in injury time.

With Japan pushing and the Nigerians comfortable in attack, the match came to life in the second half, with Iwabuchi and Kishikawa going close.

The Falconets showed how dangerous they could be as Esther Sunday played a quick one-two with Orji through the heart of the Japanese defence. Iwabuchi was the next star to shine, and she found the net thanks to her clever speed of thought, quickest to take advantage of some shaky goalkeeping in the 62nd minute.

Mexico claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over England in Augsburg with a vital goal from Renae Cuellar in the 62nd minute to move to the top of Group C with four points. With only one point from two games, England are struggling to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Despite being outplayed for much of the match, Las Aztecas held on for the win.

Ahead of Nigeria on goals scored, Mexico will face the Falconets in Bochum on Wednesday knowing a draw will be enough to send both teams through. At the same time, England and Japan meet in Bielefeld, both with a single point, and both with it all to do.

The tournament takes a break today and resumes tomorrow with the final matches for Groups A and B.

— FIFA