- Nigeria’s Falconets defeat France in opening game
- France 79th minute goal was over-ruled by VAR after a review from Referee Gonzalez
- A few minutes later into the game, Flourish Sabastine breaks the deadlock off Mercy Idoko’s pass
Nigeria’s Under 20 team defeated France by a goal in their opening game of the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
The Falconets of Nigeria started the game against France in heavy rain which slowed down the game.
After 20 minutes into the game, the match officials sent both teams into the dressing room due to the heavy downpour.
Both teams regrouped after an hour to complete the match. The Falconets of Nigeria held the European champions to a 0-0 scoreline at halftime.
The Falconets began to venture forward in the second half; it was a balanced encounter between both teams.
Falconets had an opportunity to seal the game in the 50th minute, but France goalie Petiteau was up to the task. France also had an opportunity in the 60th minute, but Falconets Keeper Oyono calmly pulled a save inside the area to deny the French team.
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In the 72nd minute, Substitute Chaimaka Okwuchukwu almost made an instant impact, but she couldn’t connect with Sabastine’s pass into the area before France keeper Petiteau picked up the ball.
France managed to squeeze past the Falconets and scored a goal, but the goal was ruled out after consultation with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
the goal was ruled out because the Falconets goalkeeper was brought down trying to punch away the corner kick.
A few minutes later into the game, Flourish Sabastine breaks the deadlock off Mercy Idoko’s pass to give the Falconets the win against European champions France.
What Next for the Falconets?
The Falconets of Nigeria will take on South Korea on August 14 by 9PM Nigerian time.
