With Agency Reports — Nigeria national U-20 women's team, the Falconets yesterday continued their impressive run in the FIFA organized football tournament by edging out hard fighting Colombians 1-0 to book a place in the finals to be decided this on Sunday.
The girls became the first African team to reach the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup final as overcoming the surprise pack from Columbia with a 2nd-minute goal in Bielefeld. They are now to face Germany the host nation in the same stadium. Their opponent Germany, eased past Korea Republic 5-1setting the stage to lift the trophy the second time.
It was not an easy sail for the Falconets as the South American team gave their all despite the rain. They were restricted to few opportunities by the powerful Falconets who capitalized on an early chance to steal victory. The Nigerians put up a solid and organised performance to the delight of their supporters who trooped into the stadium to watch the memorable encounter.
Relevant Links
The Falconets started well and defended the goal scored in the first two minutes. It began with what was no more than an adventurous kick from team captain Joy Jegede, who stood just inside the opposition half and took a shot which the goalkeeper Paula Forero naively stopped rather than tip for a corner kick only for Ebere Orji, to grab the rebounding opportunity and scored the 'gift' goal without pressure.
This spurred the Colombians into action looking for an immediate reply through Yorely Rincon, their most important performer in the absence of suspended Lady Andrade and Daniela Montoya to no avail.
Although pressure followed as Colombia worked the ball neatly to the front the Falconets soaked all the pressure and many times made good moves for counter-attack. It remained an even struggle in the second half with both teams struggling to carve out clear opportunities. Nigeria threatened through Desire Oparanozie, who muscled her way through. Orji, an impressive performer from first to last, worked tirelessly. The game ended with chances at both ends, Orji forcing the ball over from Oparanozie's pull-back while Jonathan was grateful to hold onto a cross with Colombia's forwards waiting to take advantage.
Comments 1 to 4 of 4 Post a comment
If their coach is a Nigerian, he may not be good enough to take them to the final match. I won't be surprised if he sacked to make way for another white witch doctor.
I must thank God for these girls of ours for their galantry and fighting approach like a true Nigeria. They have indeed made us proud and sooth our sore feelings earlier in the months of June and July in South Africa. This as gone a long way to confirm the earlier anecdote that the situation in the Country belies the situation of our national soccer teams. The flat footed, no character, Lulu eagles represents THE CABAL ERA AND THE NEW ERA IS SUPER FALCONET of Africa Era lead by President "lucky once again" Goodluck Jonathan. I'm of the strong opinion that female soccer can uniquely be a very entertaining affair as the men's world cup, in few years down the line, watch this space. I wonder what fifa have been doing all this years before recent recognition accorded female soccer, I support this sporting code for women with all my heart. As not only can it development wemen but keep our young girls off the streets and make them busy with positive things for their future benefit. I wish our girls God blessings and all the best of goodluck on sunday.
Bravo to the falconet for saving us from the shame of what happened in South Africa. Ride on girls Nigerians are praying for you.
Bravo to the falconet for saving us from the shame of what happened in South Africa. Ride on girls Nigerians are praying for you.