Two second half goals, including one from the penalty spot, helped Japan secure a comfortable 2-0 win over Nigeria in the friendly played, Thursday, at the Misaki Park Stadium.
Mina Tanaka broke the resistance of Nigeria’s defence, breaching Chiamaka Nnadozie twice in four minutes in Kobe before a sizable crowd.
Tanaka squeezed in her first goal from a free kick lopped over the defence, before she beat Chiamaka Nnadozie from the spot for her brace.
Nigeria’s best chances in the game fell to Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre, as both drew saves from the goalkeeper.
However, in the second half, Randy Waldrum’s side were kept out not just because Japan dominated, but also due to a lack of coordination from the Nigerians.
Thursday’s defeat follows back to back loses to the USWNT in friendlies played last month.
