A late goal by Flourish Sabastine secured a victory for Nigeria’s Falconets over the Korea Republic in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia early Monday morning.
In a match where clear goal-scoring chances were scarce, the Nigerian team capitalized on their opportunity deep into stoppage time at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Bogota.
Forward Mary Lucky Mkpa had the chance to score a brace but lacked the necessary precision.
Despite a promising start by the Falconets, it was the Koreans who nearly struck first in the 15th minute when Shukurat Oladipo intercepted a dangerous cross from the right.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Shukurat Bakare, almost conceded a goal in the 28th minute after missing a cross, but the South Korean forward’s attempt went over the bar.
On the offensive end, Mkpa had her own opportunity but sent the ball just over the crossbar following a superb pass from Rofiat Imuran.
Nigeria had another close call just before halftime when Korea’s Myeyung hit the crossbar with a 22-yard free-kick.
At the break, Sabastine and Amina Bello both had shots blocked inside the Korean penalty area, while substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu nearly scored after a strong run down the right wing but couldn’t finish the chance.
As the game seemed destined for a draw, Sabastine found the back of the net with a powerful shot from the right wing that deflected off the post for the winning goal.
Next, Chris Danjuma’s squad will face three-time champions Germany, who defeated Venezuela in the other Group D match, on Wednesday evening.
