Nigeria began their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign with a slim 1-0 defeat to Germany in Saint Malo, France. The Falconets had lost two previous finals in 2010 and 2014 to the Germans hoped to right the wrongs on Monday afternoon.
Germany started the livelier of both sides forcing Falconets goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to a couple of excellent saves; denying Germany from going ahead early in the first half. After finally settling into the game, Falconers had a glorious chance into the 30th minute but Chidinma Okeke couldn’t convert from close range.
The Falconets however couldn’t find the crucial goal needed to go ahead despite their efforts and soon went behind through a Stefanie Sanders goal in the second half. Prior to the goal, Chiamaka was called upon again making another crucial save to keep the Falconets from going down before he defence was finally breached in the 69th minute.
From then on, the Falconets threw everything at the Germans in search of that crucial goal but it was not to be. First, it was Peace Efih’s strike hitting the woodwork then the German goalkeeper, Vanessa Fischer was forced into a save in added time as Germany sealed all three points in a tight contest with the Falconets.
Nigeria face debutants, Haiti on Thursday afternoon and will be looking to get over the disappointment of losing to Germany.
