Falconets beat Canada, maintain 100% World Cup record

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team have advanced to the quarter-finals after setting a World Cup group stage-perfect record for themselves against Canada.

The Falconets scored 3-1 on Wednesday at the ongoing 10th FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

In spite of hard-fought victories over France and Korea Republic, the Nigerian side were favourites to win the match even though they had already secured a final eight place.

They did concede their first goal of the competition in the match, but they never looked back after drawing level thereafter.

Goalkeeper Omini Oyono’s poor management of a backpass from Jumoke Alani granted Kala Novak a fortuitous goal less than two minutes after kick-off.

The team’s head coach, Christopher Danjuma, said after the match that, “It was great for us to come back from that setback, and also concede first in the tournament. But we showed character and spirit after that, and that would be huge for us going forward in the competition.”

Esther Onyenezide, whose vicious curling shot earned all three points against the Korea Republic late on, to send the Falconets into the last eight Sunday, soon drew them level.

She scored from the penalty kick spot in the 24th minute after Canadian defender Mia Pante had handled the ball from a Blessing Okpe shot in the penalty box.

The Falconets did look composed and surefooted in the middle with the return of Deborah Abiodun, who sat out the encounter with the Koreans.

In the second half, the Falconets added pace and brilliant use of space to their game.

It was no surprise then when Imuran, again with a visionary cross, set up substitute Chioma Olise for Nigeria’s third goal.

Their impressive campaign in the group stage earns the Falconets a quarter-final date with The Netherlands in Alajuela on Sunday.