A stunning late goal by Flourish Sabastine secured Nigeria's Falconets a victory over the Korean Republic at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia early Monday morning.
The talented forward scored the decisive goal four minutes before the final whistle, earning the Falconets all three points.
The first half was tightly contested, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. However, Nigeria became stronger in the second half, showing renewed determination.
In a match where goal-scoring opportunities were scarce, the Falconets created the better chances, particularly in the second half at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogotá.
Imuran attempted to set up Mary Nkpa for an opening goal, but the forward couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. She also had a chance to score from a free-kick, but her shot went over the crossbar.
There was a moment of tension when goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare misjudged a free-kick, nearly allowing South Korea to score in the 28th minute, but the Koreans failed to convert.
Reports noted that the Asian team had previously lost to Nigeria by a single goal in a group-stage match in Costa Rica during an earlier competition.
The Falconets continued to press for a breakthrough as the match seemed destined for a stalemate, and their persistence was rewarded in the 86th minute.
Flourish Sabastine’s intended cross turned into an unexpected goal, slipping past Korean goalkeeper Woo Seo-Bin and ricocheting off the upright into the net, giving Nigeria the lead.
Nigeria nearly doubled their advantage in stoppage time, but Osigwe missed the target.
Before the match, Falconets' Head Coach Chris Danjuma had urged his team to make the most of their opportunities against the Koreans.
In a statement by the NFF, coach Danjuma said: “We are working on our tactics and techniques, to get it right when we play the Koreans. That is the first and foremost assignment. Once we get it right against the Koreans, we will then set out for the Germans”.
“I am very happy that we have no injury in camp. The girls are all ready to go out there and do Nigeria proud,” coach Danjuma said.
With this victory, Nigeria has now joined Germany at the top of Group D. The Falconets will face the three-time World Champions in a crucial match on Wednesday, September 4th, that could secure their advancement to the next round. Germany showed their strength in their opening game, dominating Venezuela with a commanding 5-2 win.
