On Thursday 6 October, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) played an international friendly match against the Nigeria Women's National Team at Noevir Stadium Kobe (Hyogo).

Before kick-off, both teams and spectators offered a moment of silence to express their condolences to the victims of the unfortunate accident that occurred on 1 October at a football match held in Indonesia, and to ensure that such tragedy will never be repeated.

The Nadeshiko Japan, playing their first match in the new uniforms unveiled in September, started with KUMAGAI Saki (FC Bayern Munich), MIYAKE Shiori (INAC Kobe Leonessa), and TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies) forming the three-back defence line. KITAMURA Nanami (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza), positioned as a left winger, made her first international cap since last year’s Tokyo Olympics, while TANAKA Mina (INAC Kobe Leonessa) started as the centre-forward.

Japan showed great aggression from the outset, as MIYAZAWA Hinata (Mynavi Sendai Ladies) struck a well placed shot from distance that nearly captured the goal in the 16th minute. Tanaka came close to scoring the opener in the 26th minute, when she responded to a through ball to break into the penalty area, but her shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

Nigeria also had their opportunities in the first half, including the shot taken by Rasheedat AJIBADE in the 45th minute, which was saved by HIRAO Chika (Albirex Niigata Ladies). During additional time, Ashleigh PLUMPTRE struck a powerful shot from a free kick, but her attempt was denied by the cross bar, as the match remained scoreless at halftime.

Coach IKEDA Futoshi made three changes during halftime, as MINAMI Moeka (AS Roma) was handed the armband from Kumagai. The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute, when SUGITA Hina (Portland Thorns FC) earned a free kick just outside the box, in which NAOMOTO Hikaru (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies) delivered a lobbing pass into the box, It was Tanaka who connected with this pass, as the striker superbly controlled the ball before firing a right footed shot that captured the left corner of the goal.

Four minutes later, Sugita was once again fouled deep in opposing end, this time earning a penalty kick for Japan. Tanaka stepped up to take the spot kick, which she calmly converted to make it 2-0.

FUJINO Aoba (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) and HAMANO Maika (INAC Kobe Leonessa), two players who thrived at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Costa Rica 2022™ in August, were introduced in the 69th minute to make their senior team debut, as the youngsters showed great energy to chase the ball down.

In a match where Japan tested a new system, the veterans and new players showed great cohesion to keep a clean sheet to win the match 2-0.

The Nadeshiko Japan will now take on the New Zealand Women's National Team in the MS＆AD CUP 2022, scheduled to take place on Sunday 9 at Nagano U Stadium (Nagano).

Coach and Players' Comments

IKEDA Futoshi, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)
In the past we have often played with a four-back defence line, but we prepared and fought with a new system in order to broaden our playing range, both as a team and as individuals. In that sense, I am happy with the way the players prepared themselves. In the first half we were overly concerned about the effects of the new system and lacked action to create chances in the attacking third, but we gradually increased our action to get behind the opposing defence line in the second half. The fact that we were able to earn a shutout victory in an international match gives us confidence moving forward.

DF #17 TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies)
We were trying a new formation against a very athletic Nigerian side, so there were times when things didn’t go well for us, but we made conscious efforts to communicate with each other and to make the necessary adjustments, which led us to this shutout victory. (MIYAKE) Shiori-san usually plays in the middle of a three-back defence line at her club, so she gave me great insights, while our coaching staff were also very helpful. I still have a lot to work with, but it was a very productive 90 minutes to broaden our options.

MF #20 KITAMURA Nanami (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza)
It took us a while to adjust to the new system, but as we made corrections on the pitch, we were able to play relatively well in the second half. Every time the ball went out of bounds, I talked with (KUMAGAI) Saki-san to adjust how we positioned ourselves. We will continue to work hard to increase what we can do as a team.

FW #11 TANAKA Mina (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
We had a short preparation period and played with a new formation, so the first half was a bit difficult. We still have some work to do, but I think it's important that we stay positive. I was looking forward to playing in Kobe and I was happy to see many of the INAC Kobe players coming to watch the match and see me score goals. As soon as we won the free kick, I spoke to (NAOMOTO) Hikaru-san to get ourselves on the same page, and I am glad that I was able to produce results today.

FW #24 HAMANO Maika (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Our offence did a great job applying pressure from the frontline, which allowed me to take shots from distance, but I wasn’t able to score from them. Next time, I will do my best, not only to take shots, but to create chances for my teammates. It was very encouraging to see so many fans and teammates of INAC Kobe watch our match.

International Friendly Match

Fixture: Nadeshiko Japan vs Nigeria Women’s National Team
Date: Thu. 6 October [16:25]
Venue: Noevir Stadium Kobe (Hyogo)
Tournament Information