NIGERIA’S Falconets on Sunday began their campaign in the eight FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea on a sad note as they lost 0-6 to The Young Nadeshiko of Japan.
The group B match at the Bava Park Stadium, Port Moresby practically turned to a one sided-affair as the Falconets, two-time finalists failed to get their act together throughout the 90 minutes.
Unarguably, the player of the match turned out to be Japan’s Mami Ueno who became the first player to score a hat-trick in the ongoing championship.
Ueno was on song in the 37th, 62nd and 82nd minute while her team-mate, Yuka Momiki after scoring the opener in the 34th minute with a close-range header clinched a brace in the 51st minute.
An own goal by Mary Ologbsere in the 56th minute had compounded the woes of the Falconets who paraded goalkeeper Sandra Chichi, as they later conceded two more goals to make it a 6-0 scoreline.
The Young Nadeshiko started brightly and put the Nigerians under pressure from the off, with Ueno’s effort in the opening minute being tipped on the crossbar and out for a corner.
Ueno completed her hat-trick of the day with a wonder goal eight minutes from time, embarking on a valiant solo run and smashing a powerful strike into the top corner of the net.
Nigeria will on Wednesday face Canada in their second group game where they need victory in order to remain in contention for the ticket to the knockout stage.
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