First-half goals from Hikaru Kitagawa, Maika Hamano and Riko Ueki Japan progress to another quarter- inal appearance at an Olympic Games, thanks to an emphatic 3-1 victory over now-eliminated Nigeria. 

Ayaka Yamashita 6/10

Not at all at fault for Nigeria’s goal – a screamer scored by Jennifer Echegini – Yamashita was rarely called into action by the not-so Super attacking display by the Falcons in Nantes. 

Saki Kumagai 7/10

Expectedly led by example at the heart of Nadeshiko Japan’s defence, when called upon, which admittedly wasn’t very much throughout the 90 minutes, Kumagai will surely be more active against the likely quarter-final tie against four-time Olympic champions, the United States. 

Miyabi Moriya 7/10

Defensively astute yet again at right wing-back, Moriya kept the always dangerous forward-thinking Nigerian captain Rasheedat Ajibade in her back pocket throughout the contest. 

Hikaru Kitagawa 8/10

One of manager Futoshi Ikeda’s four changes, the defender laid down her claims to start the mouthwatering quarter-final tie against Group B’s winners, which looks set to be the United States, with a detailed defensive performance in addition to getting her name onto the scoresheet with a stunning long-range free-kick. 

Rion Ishikawa 7/10

Brought into the side to replace the injury-stricken Tōko Koga, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies defender, like Wednesday’s afternoon fellow defensive reinforcement, Kitagawa, was solid in a three-pronged central-defensive pairing with her captain Kumagai and Takahashi. 

Hana Takahashi 7/10

As briefly touched on, Takahashi partnered Kumagai and Ishikawa in Nadeshiko Japan’s familiar-looking back-five with three central defenders and again showcased why she is a regular feature for her nation. 

Honoka Hayashi 7/10

Another name reinstated to the opening team sheet by Ikeda, a recent signing for Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League, Hayashi produced another mastery in midfield, which could see her keep her place – ahead of Hinata Miyazawa – in the knockout stages. 

Maika Hamano 7/10

Scorer of the game’s opening goal against Nigeria, Hamano’s place in the side was arguably under threat, but now seems a lot more concrete after opening her account in front at the tournament.

Yui Hasegawa 6/10

Played in a midfield three with Hamano and Hayashi, Hasegawa did not need to be at her very best – as seen repeatedly for Manchester City in the Barclays WSL – to still look impressive against an underwhelming Nigerian performance. 

Riko Ueki 8/10

The striker fully justified her selection in the starting XI with two assists for Maika Hamano and Mina Tanaka’s goals, in addition to causing the Nigerian defence constant problems throughout the game. 

Mina Tanaka 7/10

Visibly experienced a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the game against Brazil, Tanaka’s performance was thoroughly rewarded with a goal that was well-deserved based on her performance. She was unplayable at times alongside her new strike-partner in Nantes, Ueki, throughout the first half before being replaced at half-time by Kiko Seike. 

Hinata Miyazawa 6/10

On for Kitagawa on the stroke of the hour-mark, the Manchester United midfield maestro again didn’t get onto the scoresheet but showed promise that she will before the conclusion of the 2024 Olympic Games Paris. 

Fuka Nagano 6/10

Considerably unlucky to be dropped from Ikeda’s XI, Nagano provided an extra layer of enforcement in midfield throughout the second 45”, which resulted in a defensive shut-out being achieved. 

Kiko Seike 6/10

A surprise half-time substitute for goalscorer Tanaka – no news has yet to be released about any potential injury – the striker put in a tireless shift without testing Nigeria number one Chiamaka Nnadozie. 

Remina Chiba 5/10

Cameo appearance for the final 10 minutes of the match, the Eintracht Frankfurt forward-thinker in and around the penalty area never had enough time to make her impact in the game. However, she should have gotten her name onto the scoresheet deep into second-half stoppage time.