By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria early Monday morning defeated the Republic of South Korea in their opening group match of the ongoing FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup taking place in Columbia.
It took the lone goal of Flourish Sabastine in Bogota to deliver the needed victory for the Nigerian women, mostly known as The Falconets.
The win has also put Nigeria on pole position to reach the round of 16 in the 2024 edition of the competition with another looming matchup against former champions Germany on Wednesday.
The Action
Opportunities were few and far between in a game between two strong squads not unfamiliar with themselves, but Nigeria had more of the chances, particularly in a more entertaining second half at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo.
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.
Nigeria’s blushes were saved just before half time, when Myeyung rocked the crossbar from a 22-yard free-kick.
In the second half, Sabastine and Amina Bello saw their shots blocked in the opposition box, and substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu came close from a good 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.
Cameroon Unforgettable Debut
On Sunday, Cameroon marked their debut in the competition with a spirited 2-2 draw against Mexico in their Group A opener.
Incidentally, Naomi Eto netted the two goals for the African side.
The draw breaks Mexico’s streak of wins in opening matches, underlining the competitive nature of this Cameroonian side.
The Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses will now face hosts Colombia in their next group match.,
