FIFA U20 World Cup: Nigeria defeats Korea Republic, picks the quarterfinal ticket.

The Falconets, a Nigerian U20 women’s team, defeated Korea Republic 1-0 at Alajuela as part of another brave effort to advance to the round of eight of the ongoing 10th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
The top-of-the-table matchup was eagerly awaited because both teams had won their respective first games in the competition and knew a victory would advance them to the quarterfinals. After the Falconets’ 1-0 victory over France on Friday morning, Korea Republic took the lead in the standings on goal differential after defeating Canada by a score of 2-0.
Until midfielder Esther Onyenezide’s strong curling shot sailed past Yoonji Do for the game’s lone goal in the 83rd minute, there wasn’t much to choose between the two teams.
Garam Chun struck the post with a free kick, and Hayeon Mu missed a corner kick, but Nigeria was able to keep things tight at the back despite the energetic work of Mercy Idoko, Onyenezide, and Bashirat Amoo.
Onyenezide’s rasping drive from the right side was parried away by Do in the 54th minute, and 10 minutes later, Nigeria’s Oyono Omini in goal parried away a strong 25-yard attempt fired by Eunyoung Lee.
With just seven minutes left, vivacious midfielder Onyenezide would have the ultimate say, firing a ferocious shot past Do to advance Africa’s finest team to the quarterfinals.
The Falconets still have a game against Canada on Thursday morning, but they are undoubtedly already considering potential opponents from Group D for the quarterfinals.
Ghana, one of Africa’s other flagbearers, the Netherlands, the United States, and cup holders Japan make up Group D.

GOGAN Media