The Nigerian U20 Falconets have secured a place in the quarter finals after beating Canada 3-1 in the ongoing Fifa Under-20 Women World Cup being played in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Head Coach, Chris Musa, said before the encounter that his girls would seek to win even as a quarter-final ticket was already in the bag, in order to sustain their winning mentality following hard-fought victories over France and Korea Republic.
Interestingly, it was the Canadian girls that drew the first blood, albeit from an error in the Falconets’ defence.
Goalkeeper Omini Oyono’s poor management of a backpass from Jumoke Alani granted Kala Novak a fortuitous goal less than two minutes after kick-off.
But two goals from the penalty spot by Esther Onyenezide and another goal in the second half by Chioma Olise saw the Falconets cruising to their biggest win so far in the ongoing tournament in Costa Rica.
After falling behind to the early Canada goal, Onyenezide, whose vicious curling shot earned all three points against the Korea Republic, drew the Falconets level from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.
Defender Mia Pante who had handled the ball from a Blessing Okpe shot in the box gifted Nigeria a way back into the game.
Onyenezide was on hand to shoot Nigeria into the lead, also from the spot, in the 32nd minute after Simi Awujo’s dangerous play against Mercy Idoko.
As the Nigeria U20s ended the first half 2-1, nothing suggested the Canadians could mount a fightback in the second half, instead, it was the Falconets that increased their lead.
Substitute Chioma Olise got Nigeria’s third goal as the Falconets finished top in Group C with nine points from three games.
With Thursday’s outcome, the Falconets now have a quarter-final date with The Netherlands in Alajuela on Monday.