Nigeria defeated Korea Republic 3-0 thanks to a spectacular late goal from Flourish Sabastine, which also put the Falconets in a strong position to advance to the Round of 16 of the current 11th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Columbia.
In a match between two formidable teams that were well-versed in their own abilities, opportunities were few and far between, but Nigeria had the better of the chances, especially in a more thrilling second half at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogata on Monday morning.
Large step forward Mary Lucky Mkpa was a determined individual who, with some accuracy, ought to have turned down at least two of the opportunities.
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 Oladipo misplayed Park by getting a foot to a tease cross from the right.
In the 28th minute, Nigerian goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare failed to save a pull-out attempt, allowing the Koreans to score. Meanwhile, Mkpa mishandled the ball after Rofiat Imuran had passed it to him, sending it over the crossbar.
Just before the break, Myeyung’s 22-yard free kick that shook the crossbar spared Nigeria’s blushes.
After Amina Bello and Sabastine had their attempts in the opposition box denied in the second half, and after a strong run on the right by replacement Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, 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 at the same location against the three-time champion German team.
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