FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Lead Group C
Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Nigeria is now at the head of Group C at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 after defeating Korea Republic 2-1 in Moncton.
Courtney Dike scored the fastest goal in the history of FIFA women’s tournaments after she took advantage of Korea Republic’s lacklustre defending.
Osarenoma Igbinovia had a shot from distance tipped over the bar by Min Yukyeong. Nigeria had another opportunity in 17th minute when Asisat Oshoala’s cross found Loveth Ayila, who was unmarked in the penalty area. However, her shot hit a defender and spun just wide.
Korea Republic had their first chance of the first half in the 24th minute when Kim Soyi’s attempted chip over Nigeria goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii went over the bar.
It was however the Falconets who took a two-goal lead ten minutes later through Chinwendu Ihezuo. Ugo Njoku’s cross from the right wing found Ihezuo, who controlled the ball before firing a powerful shot past Minyeong.
The best chance for the South Koreans came in the 59th minute when Kim Inji received the ball and shot from the left side of the penalty area only to watch her effort go inches wide of the near post. Inji would have seen another effort suffered the same fate ten minutes later as the Nigerians continued to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
The Koreans found a consolation goal in the 71st minute when Nigeria failed to clear their lines effectively and Soyi capitalised by scoring from the edge of the penalty area to give the Koreans a lifeline. But while the Asian champions often threatened an equaliser, Nigeria’s defense held on to claim the first win of the group in Moncton.
The Nigerian girls were able to jump to the top of Group C after England and Mexico had played a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
