- Nigeria’s Falconets defeat Korea to qualify for quarterfinals of the Under 20 Women’s World Cup.
- The game against South Korea meant to be played by 9:00pm got rescheduled to 10:15pm.
- Esther Onyenezide scores to break the deadlock in the 83rd minute.
Nigeria’s Under 20 team defeated South Korea by a goal to advance to the quarterfinals of the 10th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, which is underway in Costa Rica.
The Chris Danjuma-led team recorded a 1-0 victory against South Korea in their second group game on Sunday, August 14, 2022. Nigeria continued from an impressive start when it defeated European champion France.
South Korea vs Nigeria was highly anticipated game as both teams knew a win would take them to the tournament quarter-finals, both having won their respective first games of the tournament. The Korea Republic was at the top of the Group C table in terms of goal difference, having defeated Canada 2-0, after the Falconets had also beaten France 1-0 on Friday morning.
South Korea 0-1 Nigeria: Falconets defeat Korea to qualify for quarterfinals
Similar to the first game against France, the Match kickoff was delayed due to poor weather conditions. The game was scheduled for 9:00 p.m. but later rescheduled to 10:15 p.m. Nigerian time.
The Falconets were unable to break the South Korean defense in the first half, both team also had some opportunities to score.
In the 53rd minute of the game, Esther Onyenezide forced goal keeper Kim to a save with her superb long-range effort. Korea also had a chance in the 64th minute, but Nigeria goalie Monle Omini made a superb save.
There was little to separate both teams until midfielder Esther Onyenezide fired in from a long-range to beat the South Korean goalkeeper Kim and break the deadlock in the 83rd minute.
After the goal from Esther Onyenezide, the tight at the back tightened, and in midfield, Mercy Idoko, Onyenezide, and Bashirat Amoo worked tirelessly to support the defense.
The Falconets of Nigeria held on for all three points, and with two wins from two games in Group C, they booked a spot in the quarterfinals.
What Next:
The Falconets of Nigeria will take on Canada on August 18 by 3 am Nigerian time.
