Nigeria’s under 20 women’s national football team, the Falconets have booked a place in the Quarter-finals of the ongoing 10th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
The team led by Chris Danjuma recorded a 1-0 victory against South Korea in their second group game played on Sunday.
South Korea defeated Canada 2-0 in their first match while the Falconets started their tournament with a 1-0 win against European champions France.
Esther Onyenezide’s goal in the 83rd minute gave the Falconets the important victory against South Korea
Just like the first game against France, the Falconets were unable to break the South Korean defense in the first half.
In the 54th minute, Esther Onyenezide’s shot from the right side was parried away by Yoonji Do.
Oyono Omini, in goal for Nigeria also had to parry away a fierce 25 –yard shot unleashed by Eunyoung Lee in the 64th minute.
There was little to choose between the two teams until the 83rd minute when midfielder Onyenezide’s curled a shot past Do.
The Falconets celebrated the goal by dancing to the hit song Buga by Kizz Daniel.
It was the only goal of the match as Hayeon Mu missed from a corner kick and Garam Chun hit the upright from a free-kick.
Nigeria’s defence kept things tight even in the midfield Mercy Idoko, Onyenezide and Bashirat Amoo worked tirelessly.
The Falconets held on for all three points and booked a place in the quarterfinals with two victories from two games.
The Falconets will now take on Canada in their final group game scheduled for the early hours of Thursday, August 18, 2022.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
