A brilliant late goal by Flourish Sabastine in Bogotá earned Nigeria all three points at the expense of Korea Republic and put the Falconets in a strong position to reach the Round of 16 at the 11th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals.
Opportunities were few and far between in a game between two strong squads who were familiar with each other, but Nigeria created more chances, particularly in a more entertaining second half at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo.
Big forward Mary Lucky Mkpa was full of endeavor and, with some precision, should have converted at least two of her opportunities.
The Asians, who also lost 1-0 to Nigeria in a group phase encounter at the last edition of the competition in Costa Rica two years ago, came close to scoring first on the quarter-hour mark. However, Shukurat Oladipo got a foot to a teasing cross from the right, which wrong-footed Park.
Nigeria goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare missed a clearance altogether in the 28th minute, but the Korean touch sent the ball over the crossbar. At the other end, Mkpa’s effort was a little too high after a pass from Rofiat Imuran.
Nigeria’s blushes were spared just before halftime when Myeyung struck the crossbar with a 22-yard free-kick.
In the second half, Sabastine and Amina Bello had their shots blocked in the opposition box. Substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu came close with a good run on the right, before Sabastine cut the ball in from the right wing to hit the upright and roll into the net for the game’s only goal.
Next up for the Falconets is a clash with three-time champions Germany at the same venue on Wednesday evening.
ADD A COMMENT :