A brilliant late goal by Flourish Sabastine in Bogota earned Nigeria all three points at the expense of Korea Republic and put the Falconets in a good position to reach the Round of 16 at the 11th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.
In a game between two strong squads familiar with each other, opportunities were scarce, but Nigeria had more opportunities, especially in a more entertaining second half at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, reports Persecondnews.
Big forward Mary Lucky Mkpa was full of endeavour and, with some precision, should have put away at least two of the opportunities.
The Asians, who also lost by a lone goal to Nigeria in a group phase encounter at the last edition of the competition in Costa Rica two years ago, came close to drawing the first blood on the quarter-hour, but Shukurat Oladipo got one foot to a teasing cross from the right to wrong-foot Park.
Nigeria goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare missed a pull-out altogether in the 28th minute, but the Korean touch took the ball over the sticks, and at the other end, Mkpa heaved the ball a little too high after a pass by Rofiat Imuran.
Just before halftime, Myeyung’s 22-yard free-kick hit the crossbar, saving Nigeria’s blushes.
In the second half, Sabastine and Amina Bello saw their shots blocked in the opposition box, and substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu came close from a powerful run on the right, before Sabastine sliced the ball from the right wing to smack the upright and roll into the net for the game’s only goal.
Next up for the Falconets is a clash with three-time champion Germany at the same venue on Wednesday evening, September 4.
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