This is the first time ever, that the Falconets will be winning all their group games given that debuting in this tournament nearly 20 years ago.
The Nigeria U-20 women ‘s team, the Falconets, will facd the Netherlands in the quarter-final segment of the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup taking place in Costa Rica.The Falconets early Thursday morning rounded off their team stage campaign in style; beating Canada 3-1 at the Estadio Alajuela Morera Soto.
Coach Chris Danjuma’s ladies had before now relied on late dreams to secure slim 1-0 wins over France and the Korea Republic however the game against Canada used to be a completely exclusive ball game.
Interestingly, it was once the Canadian women that drew the first blood, albeit from an error in the Falconets’ defence.
But two desires from the penalty spot by using Esther Onyenezide and some other goal in the 2d half through Chioma Olise noticed the Falconets cruising to their largest win so a ways in the ongoing match in Costa Rica.
Head Coach Chris Danjuma stated before the Canada tie that his ladies would are seeking for to win even although they had already booked their place in the remaining eight.
For him, it was important for the Falconets to preserve their winning mentality following hard-fought victories over France and Korea Republic.
That used to be precisely what the Falconets did.
The Falconets however conceded their first purpose of the opposition in an unintended manner, following goalkeeper Omini Oyono’s bad management of a backpass from Jumoke Alani.
The error granted Kala Novak a fortuitous goal in much less than two minutes into the game
“It was great for us to come returned from that setback, and additionally conceding for first time in the tournament. We showed persona and spirit, and that would be big for us going ahead in the competition,” the Falconets instruct stated after the match.
After falling behind to the early Canada goal, Onyenezide, whose vicious curling shot earned all three points towards the Korea Republic, drew the Falconets stage from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.Defender Mia Pante who had treated the ball from a Blessing Okpe shot in the field proficient Nigeria a way back into the game.
Onyenezide was once on hand to shoot Nigeria into the lead, additionally from the spot, in the 32nd minute after Simi Awujo’s risky play towards Mercy Idoko.
As the Nigeria U20s ended the first half of 2-1, nothing counseled the Canadians should mount a fightback in the 2nd half, instead, it was the Falconets that elevated their lead.
Substitute Chioma Olise acquired Nigeria’s third goal as the Falconets finished top in Group C with 9 points from three games.
With Thursday’s outcome, the Falconets now have a quarter-final date with The Netherlands in Alajuela on Monday.
