Mami Ueno’s hat-trick and a brace from Yuka Momiki inspired the Young Nadeshiko as they handed the Falconets their worst defeat ever in the history of the Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup.
Yuka Momiki’s close-range header put the Asians ahead in the 32 minute, while Mami Ueno doubled their advantage just three minutes later after getting onto the end of captain Ruka Norimatsu’s neat pass and slotted past goalkeeper Sandra Chichi.
Momiki got her brace in the 50th minute to give Japan a 3-0 lead and an own-goal by Mary Ologbosere’s 6 minutes later compounded Nigeria’s woes and raised doubts over their ability to win the competition.
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Ueno made it 5-0 in the 62nd minute before completing her hat-trick in the 81st minute with a beautiful solo run and smashing a powerful strike past Chichi.
Nigeria face Canada in their next game on November 16, in Group B while Japan will slug it out with Spain at the Brava Park.