Early goals power Japan past Nigeria, 3-1, to end Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons’ Olympic quest

Photo courtesy NG Super Falcons (Twitter)

It wasn’t in the cards for Randy Waldrum’s Nigeria Super Falcons this time around in a major Women’s International soccer tournament, as Japan scored early, then cruised to a 3-1 win against Nigeria on Wednesday in Bordeaux, France, in the final match of Group C play for both sides.

Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka and Hikaru Kitagawa each scored first half goals to lead the way for Japan, who advanced to the knockout stages in Group C along with Spain, who defeated Brazil, 2-0 in the other match played simultaneously.

Once again, getting start in the central midfield, Pitt rising sophomore Deborah Abiodun put together another strong 90 minute performance, especially defensively, though she struggled to link up to attacking players for consistent chances.  Abiodun was instrumental in helping the Super Falcons pick up the pace, especially after they scored their first goal of the tournament, controlling the midfield alongside Toni Payne

Nigeria did score its first goal of the tournament, cutting the lead to 2-1, late in the first half to make things interesting with some terrific build-up play on the edge of the box, with Jennifer Echegini delivering a well-struck finish.

Incase you miss Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament scored by Jennifer Echegini.

Here’s the goal and surely the goal of the tournament..

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🔥🔥🔥#JPNNGR #JPNNGA #OlympicGames #SoarSuperFalcons

pic.twitter.com/eP8IlRlysy

— Ibukun Aluko (@IbkSports) July 31, 2024

While Waldrum will wrap-up things, for the time being with the Nigeria women’s national team, he will likely return to Pittsburgh soon, along with Abiodun, as the Pitt Panthers have already begun preseason training this week.

Look for much more to come from Pittsburgh Soccer Now, including Waldrum’s thoughts on Olympics experience and more.  

Nigeria’s Starting XI  vs Japan