A fortuitous strike late in the game by Flourish Sabastine was all Nigeria needed to edge Republic of Korea 1-0 in their first group match at the FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, www.aclsports.com reports.
Opportunities were few and far between in the game between two familiar opponents Nigeria’s Falconets had more of the chances, particularly in a more entertaining second half at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo.
MISSED CHANCES
Big centre 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 misjudged a cross in the 28th minute but the Korea striker’s touch took the ball over the bar, and at the other end, Mkpa heaved the ball a little too high after a pass by Rofiat Imuran who was playing in a more advanced role.
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 an intended cross from the right wing whjch smack the upright and roll into the net for the game’s only goal.
Nigeria head coach Christopher Danjuma was happy with the result against Korea Republic and expressed assurance that his team will perform better in subsequent games.
“It was a tough match, being the first match. The victory is sweet because it puts your foot in the group. My team performed well, but I know we’re going to perform much, much, much, better than this,” said Danjuma.
Next up for the Falconets is a clash with three-time Under 20 champions Germany at the same venue on Wednesday at 11:00pm Nigerian time.
