Katharine Fuller and Kimball Ascanio each scored to secure the victory, allowing the Americans to avenge their quarter-final defeat to Nigeria in 2022. Fuller opened the scoring with a penalty in the 43rd minute, and Ascanio extended the lead in the 74th minute, ensuring a decisive win for the three-time quarter-finalists.
This loss concluded Nigeria’s remarkable tournament journey, during which they had triumphed in all their group stage matches against New Zealand, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, netting nine goals while conceding only one.
Coach Bankole Olowookere made two substitutions in the first half, introducing Blessing Ifitezue and Victory Ekezie for Peace Effiong and Risikat Azeez, but these adjustments did not shift the momentum of the match.
The Americans maintained their control in the second half, with coach Natalia Astrain implementing tactical changes that proved successful. Ascanio, who was brought on as a substitute, quickly made her mark by scoring the pivotal second goal.
This outcome marked a disappointing conclusion to Nigeria’s campaign, as they had entered the match with hopes of repeating their 2022 success against the same team, which they achieved through penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.