Nigeria's U-20 Women’s national team, the Falconets, kicked off their campaign at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win against South Korea on Monday morning at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, Colombia.
It was a closely contested match, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances.
The decisive moment came in the 88th minute of the game, when Flourish Sabastine scored a brilliant goal, securing all three points for Nigeria and putting the Falconets in a strong position to progress to the Round of 16.
Sabastine's goal, which came from a well-placed shot that hit the upright and rolled into the net, proved to be the difference between the two sides.
A tense first half
The first half saw limited opportunities for both teams. Nigeria’s Mary Lucky Mkpa, who was a constant threat throughout the match, missed a couple of chances that could have given Nigeria an early lead.
On the defensive end, Nigeria's goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare had a nervy moment in the 28th minute when she missed a cross, but luckily for Nigeria, the Korean touch sent the ball over the crossbar.
South Korea came closest to opening the scoring in the first half when Myeyung’s powerful free-kick from 22 yards out rattled the crossbar just before half-time.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams looking to break the deadlock in the second half.
Falconets stronger in the second half
Nigeria came out stronger in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities. Sabastine and Amina Bello had their shots blocked in the Korean box, while substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu made a good run down the right flank but couldn't find the back of the net.
At the back, Jumoke Alani and Shukurat Oladipo were rock solid as they held wave to stop the wave of South Korean attacks that came their way.
The Falconets continued to press forward in search of a winner as the game went into the dying minutes, and their persistence paid off when Sabastine scored the winning goal in the 88th minute.
Falconets starting line-up: Shukurat Bakare; Mary Nkpa, Rofiat Imuran, Flourish Sabastine, Adoo Yina, Amina Bello, Chioma Olise, Oluchi Ohaegbulem, Comfort Folorunsho, Jumoke Alani, Shukurat Oladipo.
Next up for Falconets
With this victory, Nigeria sits in a favourable position to advance from the group stage.
The Falconets will face a tougher challenge in their next match against three-time champions Germany on Wednesday evening at the same venue.
A win against Germany could see Nigeria secure their place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
The Falconets will be looking to build on this positive start and continue their quest for glory at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
