John Egbokhan
21 November 2008
After inspiring Nigeria's Falconets to an hard-fought 3-2 win against New Zealand in their opening Group A match at the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup in Chile, Rita Chikwelu, has set her sights on leading the team to at least the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.
The match began at a slow pace, but the Africans came to dominate possession as the game progressed and Chikwelu dominated the middle of the park with her superior skill and distribution. Some fine individual work from Chikwelu saw a rebounded ball to Sarah Michael, who made no mistake scoring from close range. They then increased their lead after 36 minutes when Oganna Chuckwudi fired past the keeper from long distance.
But shortly before half-time, New Zealand's Ria Percival scored with a beautiful header after a nice Hannah Wall cross. The goal boosted their confidence and on resumption of the second half, they equalised, with Percival netting her brace.
Neither side seemed content with a share of the points, it was the best player on the pitch, Chikwelu, who scored the winner for Nigeria when she appeared unmarked in front of the New Zealand goal, deep into injury time.
Speaking to FIFA website, Chikwelu said "I'm feeling great because I've scored the late winner. What's happened today makes me very happy. We can still play better than that, and I hope that's what we'll do in our next match. We're aiming to make it as least as far as the quarter-finals".
Also speaking, Falconets coach, Daniel Evumena, said his side would improve with each match.
"We were the better team by a long way, even though a number of our players have no international experience. That's why we lost control of the match, but I want to congratulate my team, and I'm confident we'll improve with every game. I want to reach the final of this tournament with Nigeria", said Ewumena.
New Zealand coach, John Herdman, admitted that his girls played against a tough side but expressed disappointment with the fact that they lost.
"I think it was a very tough match. Nigeria are a good team. They let the ball - and as a result, us - do the work. But we knew the Nigeria game would be the toughest in our group. It'll be easier against England and Chile. I'm very proud of my team. We're disappointed, but it's not the end of the world", said Herdman.
Nigeria next match is a tough duel against group leaders, England tomorrow. England beat Chile 2-0 in their first match decided in Coquimbo.
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