Nigeria Super Falcons recorded an important 2-0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday afternoon to improve their chances of making it into the knockout round of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (FIFAWWC) in France.
Having both lost their opening matches by three and four goals respectively, Nigeria and South Korea both needed a win to give themselves a chance of qualifying from Group A into the knockout rounds. But it was the Super Falcons of Nigeria who had the last laugh at the end of 90 minutes.
Nigeria made three changes from the team that lost 3-0 to Norway with all three changes proving crucial to today’s win.
Unlike against Norway where Nigeria started brightly, the Koreans took charge of the game early on but the Nigerian players kept their cool especially in defence as Onome Ebi organised the backline and goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie who made her debut FIFAWWC appearance was a commanding figure in goal.
However at different points in the game the Super Falcons had their stint but not until the 29th minute when a breakthrough was made courtesy of an own goal by defender D. Kim due to a miscommunication between herself and her goalkeeper.
From then on, the Super Falcons turned on the heat and should have gotten a second goal but that much needed second goal didn’t come until the second half.
As expected, Korea began the second half with more intent refusing to go down without a fight but the central pairing of Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale; and the calm demeanour of Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal ensured that the Koreans were kept at bay.
In the 75th minute, a Korean attack was thwarted and FIFAWWC debutant Chidinma Okeke who deputised for injured Faith Micheal at right back burst forward with the ball to put a delightful pass through to Asisat Oshoala who rounded M.J Kim before putting the ball in the net from a tight angle as Nigeria made it 2-0.
It could have been more as Oshoala got another delightful ball which saw her run through the Korean defence but her touch was too heavy as Kim gathered before she could apply the required finish.
This win makes it Nigeria’s first FIFAWWC win since the 1-0 win over Canada in 2011.
Nigeria will now look to the final group game against host nation France next week Monday as a point will be about enough to see them through to the round of 16.
