'We want to score goals' - West Ham's Japan forward fires warning to Super Falcons ahead of Olympic clash 

West Ham United forward Riko Ueki has fired a warning to the Super Falcons ahead of Wednesday afternoon's 2024 Olympic clash between the Asian and African powerhouses at the Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes.

The West Ham Women's Young Hammer of the Year for the 2023-2024 season has twelve international goals to her name, with two netted against African opposition, Zambia and Ghana.

Heading into the final round of matches in Group C of the Olympic Games, Japan are second in the standings with three points after beating Brazil.

The Asians came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over the South Americans thanks to two second-half stoppage-time goals from Saki Kumagai and Momoko Tanikawa. 

The Super Falcons are one of the four teams in the competition without a single point after narrow loses to Spain and Brazil. 

Randy Waldrum's team are one of the best defensive teams at the Olympic Games but have the weakest attack with no goals scored after 180 minutes plus stoppage time. 

Looking ahead to the match against Nigeria, Ueki revealed that Japan are aiming to score goals against the Super Falcons.

In quotes relayed by Nikkan Sports, she said: "Of course we want to score goals through attack, but if we can get on the right foot, that can change the situation.

"Aggression in defense is one of our strengths. They're not the type to build up plays, so we need to find an opening up front."

As part of their preparations for the meeting with Nigeria, Japan thrashed Ghana 4-0 in a friendly on July 13, 2024, with Ueki finding the back of the net. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: whufc.com

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