Nigeria’s Falconets launched their 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a gritty 1-0 win against South Korea on early Monday morning at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogotá, Colombia.
The decisive moment came when forward Flourish Sabastine scored the winning goal just four minutes before the final whistle.
Sabastine’s shot found the net despite an initial attempt that was meant to be a cross, slipping past South Korean goalkeeper Woo Seo-Bin and securing all three points for Nigeria.
The first half of the match was marked by a cautious approach from both sides, with neither team managing to create clear-cut chances.
The Falconets came out with increased energy in the second half. Midfielder Imuran had a chance to set up Mary Nkpa for a potential opener, but Nkpa’s effort was thwarted.
Imuran also had a free-kick opportunity, which unfortunately went over the crossbar.
A tense moment occurred when Nigerian goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare misjudged a South Korean free-kick, nearly allowing the Koreans to take the lead, but they were unable to capitalize on the mistake.
Nigeria’s persistent attacking play eventually led to the breakthrough in the 86th minute.
Flourish Sabastine’s attempt to cross the ball inadvertently became a goal, catching Korean goalkeeper Woo Seo-Bin off-guard.
In stoppage time, Osigwe had an opportunity to extend Nigeria’s lead but missed the target.
This victory places Nigeria alongside Germany at the top of Group D, setting up a pivotal match against the three-time World champions on Wednesday.
The Germans had an impressive start, defeating Venezuela 5-2, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Loreen Bender scoring twice in a first half that ended 4-1 in favor of Germany.
In other matches, Spain U20 secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the United States, while Paraguay delivered a 2-0 defeat to Morocco.
