Japan 4 Nigeria 1 : Katsushima Hat-Trick Destroys Future Eagles; Adeyeye Scores Consolation Goal

Published: June 14, 2019

The Nigeria U16s lost 4-1 to Japan in the second game of the International Dream Cup 2019 at the Yurtec Stadium Sendai on Friday morning.

The Japanese took the lead in the 17th minute through Shinnosuke Katsushima, whose brilliant left-footed strike from near the edge of the box left goalkeeper Okoronkwo Anthony with no chance.

The lead lasted only ten minutes as midfielder Damilola Adeyeye equalised for the Futures Eagles, slotting the ball into an empty net after the goalkeeper spilled the ball into his path.

Five minutes into the second half, it was 2-1 Japan, Katsushima the scorer again.

The Japanese won possession in Nigeria's territory and the Kyoto Sanga FC Youth wonderkid skipped past a challenge, made a run inside the box before beating the goalkeeper.

In the 53rd minute, defender Kosei Suwama used his height to good advantage as he headed home a corner kick to make it 3-1.

Five minutes from time, Katsushima bagged his hat-trick, this time firing past the goalkeeper with his right foot after a delightful pass from Jiro Nakamura.

Up next, the Future Eagles play Romania in their last match before returning to Nigeria.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel