Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s national team, the Falconets began their World Cup campaign with a slim 1-0 win over their Asian counterparts, South Korea.
The South Koreans posed a serious threat, taking the game to Nigeria with a strong character but Nigeria came out top.
The Nigerian girls showed class and commitment after they held onto their 86th-minute strike to record their first win in their first game of this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Flourish Sebastian scored a spectacular in the 86th minute to hand Nigeria the much-needed win, setting them up for a place in the round of 16 of the competition.
Nigeria had better chances, especially in the second half which was played at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.
Determined individuals who, with some accuracy, ought to have converted at least two of the opportunities to the Falconets.
On the quarter-hour mark, the Asians—who had lost to Nigeria in a group phase match in the previous competition in Costa Rica by a single goal—nearly took the lead, but Shukurat Oladipowas was able to make a crucial stop.
In the 28th minute, Nigerian goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare failed to save a pull-out attempt, allowing the Koreans to create a chance to score.
Just before the break, Myeyung’s 22-yard free kick that shook the crossbar spared Nigeria’s blushes.
Amina Bello and Sabastine had their attempts in the opposition box denied in the second half.
The breakthrough would come when substitute Sabastine cut the ball from the right side to strike the upright and roll into the net for the game’s lone goal.
The Falconets’ next game is a Wednesday night matchup against the three-time champion German team at the same venue.
