During the early hours of Monday morning, Flourish Sabastine’s well-timed goal secured a triumph for Nigeria’s Falconets against the Korea Republic in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup held in Colombia.
In a match characterized by limited scoring chances, it was
the Nigerian team that capitalized on their opportunity deep into stoppage time
at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.
Forward Mary Lucky Mkpa could have concluded the match with
two goals had her accuracy been sharper.
Although the Falconets showed early promise, it was the
South Koreans who nearly took the lead in the 15th minute, but Shukurat Oladipo
intervened with a timely clearance of a dangerous cross.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Shukurat Bakare, nearly conceded a
goal in the 28th minute after misjudging a pass, but the South Korean striker
failed to capitalize.
At the other end, Mkpa had a chance to score but sent her
shot over the bar following an excellent assist from Rofiat Imuran. Just before
halftime, Nigeria was fortunate when Korea’s Myeyung hit the crossbar with a
free-kick from 22 yards.
During the break, both Sabastine and Amina Bello had their
attempts blocked in the opponent's box, and substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu came
close after a promising run down the right flank but could not convert.
As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Sabastine
struck from the right wing, hitting the post and sending the ball into the net
for the decisive goal.
Next, Chris Danjuma’s team will face three-time champions
Germany on Wednesday evening, following Germany's victory over Venezuela in the
other Group D match.