A last-minute goal by Flourish Sabastine secured a dramatic victory for Nigeria’s Falconets against the Korea Republic at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
In a match characterized by missed scoring opportunities, the Nigerian team seized theirs in stoppage time at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota. Forward Mary Lucky Mkpa nearly added to her tally but lacked precision in front of the goal.
The game started with the Falconets showing promise, but it was the South Koreans who nearly took the lead in the 15th minute, with Shukurat Oladipo intervening just in time to thwart a dangerous cross. Nigerian goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare went close to conceding in the 28th minute after misjudging a pull-out, allowing a South Korean forward a chance that went astray.
Mkpa also had a significant opportunity but sent the ball over the bar following a brilliant setup from Rofiat Imuran. Just before halftime, Nigeria dodged a bullet when Korea’s Myeyung hit the crossbar with a powerful 22-yard free-kick.
The second half saw Sabastine and Amina Bello have their shots blocked in the box, and substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu narrowly missed a chance after a promising run down the right flank.
In the dying moments of the match, with a draw in sight, Sabastine struck a decisive shot from the right wing that crashed off the upright and into the net, clinching the win.
Looking ahead, Chris Danjuma’s squad will face a formidable opponent on Wednesday evening as they prepare to take on three-time champions Germany, who triumphed over Venezuela in their earlier Group D match.
