Falconets reach World Cup last 16 after 4-0 win over Venezuela

Nigeria’s women’s youth team Falconets defeated Venezuela 4-0 in their final group match of the ongoing FIFA Under-20 women’s World Cup at the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero on Saturday night.

Three first-half goals scored by Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Flourish Sebastine put Christopher Danjuma’s side in firm control before Joy Igbokwe added more gloss in stoppage time.

Victory saw Falconets march on to the round of 16 stage of the tournament held in Colombia.

In the thrilling encounter, Okwuchukwu set up Bello to slot in the opener on 16 minutes before she scored the second with a header on 28 minutes. Sebastine was on hand to tap in deep into the added time of the first half for the third goal.

The Falconets then netted the fourth in added time after 90 minutes; Igbokwe, on as a substitute, scored a screamer from distance with the last kick of the game.

The victory is the Falconets’ second win from three Group D matches, with Nigeria amassing six points, the same as Germany.

The Falconets however finish in second place due to inferior head-to-head and goals difference to the Germans, and await their knockout opponent.

The Falconets are set to face the top-ranked country in Group E, a slot to be taken by either Japan or Austria.

The tie will take place on September 13.