Two-time runners-up, Nigeria’s under-20 women football team, the Falconets, defeated Korea Republic 1-0 on Monday in their Group D match day two of the ongoing FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

The match was played at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, Colombia.

A brilliant late goal by Flourish Sabastine earned Nigeria all the three points at the expense of Korea Republic.

With this result, the Falconets are in a good position to reach the Round of 16 at the 11th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.

The Koreans 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 missed a pull-out altogether in the 28th minute but the Korean touch took the ball over the sticks.

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.

The Asians also lost by a lone goal to Nigeria in a group phase encounter at the last edition of the competition in 2022 in Costa Rica.

The Falconets, who are in Group D alongside Venezuela and Korea Republic, will take on three-time champions Germany at the same venue on Wednesday at 11 p.m. 

(NAN)