Japan women down Nigeria women for second win in friendly series

Japan downed Nigeria 2-0 in the second match of their two-game friendly series on Thursday at Fukuda Denshi Arena in Chiba, wrapping up their 2013 activities on a winning note.

Miyama Aya scored the opener on a penalty in the 21st minute before Sakaguchi Mizuho made it 2-0 in the 28th minute for the hosts.

Following a 2-0 win in Nagasaki in Game 1 on Sunday, Japan coach Sasaki Norio retained only three players – Miyama, Kawasumi Nahomi and Ogimi Yuki – and brought in Japan debutant Ueno Saki at full-back.

The new-look Nadeshiko took a while to find their pace as a unit while the

Falcons appeared to be in better shape than in the first game with a more aggressive approach. This was evident in their hold-up play and flair.

But it was Japan who took control of the game with veteran forwards Ohno Shinobu and Ogimi Yuki, and midfielders Miyama, Sakaguchi Mizuho and Kawasumi doing in well in building up Japan’s moves.

The opener came as a result of their combination work.

In the 20th minute, Ohno and Sakaguchi combined to set up Ogimi, who was brought down in the box. Miyama calmly hit the spot kick into the left corner of the goal to put Japan 1-0 ahead.

Japan went on to attack and got another chance on a free-kick after Ohno was fouled by centre-back, Josephine Chukwunonye on the left side. Miyama delivered a high free-kick and Sakaguchi headed home to put Japan 2-0 ahead.

Nigeria attempted to rally and came close in the 29th minute when the lively Esther Sunday got a return ball from Uchechi Lopez Sunday in the centre of the box, but her shot went over the bar. A minute later, young midfielder, Asisat Oshoala dribbled forward but hit wide from the edge of the box.

Sasaki brought on Kiryu Nanase from the bench and the NTV Beleza midfielder sent in a long cross for Ogimi but the Chelsea forward’s volley went into the side netting.

After the break, Edwin Okon's halftime pep talk appeared to have robbed off positively on the Nigerian girls, as they came out aggressively and appeared to find the target after Ibom Angels winger, Tawa Ishola set up Rivers Angels striker, Uchechi Lopez Sunday, who tapped the ball into the net. But the forward was called offside.

Japan threatened the Nigeria defence line with attempts from Ogimi in the 64th minute, substitute forward Sugasawa Yuika in the 68th minute and defender Iwashimizu Azusa in the 74th minute, but all their shots were off target.

With Super Falcons pushing hard for a goal late in the game, Japan coach Sasaki brought on more replacements, including midfielder Kawamura Yuri and attacker Tanaka Min.