Nigeria secure U20WWC quarterfinal berth after perfect record with South Korea triumph

Nigeria earned their quarterfinal berth from Group C at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup with a perfect record after beating South Korea 2-0 in Alajuela.

After opening win over former European champions France, the Falconets realised their pursuit for a place in the knockout stages as group leaders with a late winner over the Asians on Sunday night.

There was the option to take the foot off the gas, but Nigeria boss Christopher Danjuma chose a path of maintaining momentum as his side put in a commanding display.

The first half was evenly fought, but Nigeria were the early dominant force before the Koreans came alive almost at the break, but Esther Onyenezide’s 83rd minute thunderbolt strike sealed the win.

They key moment came for the Falconets when substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu set up Onyenezide to launch a brilliant long range effort which sailed past keeper Kim Kyeong-Hee into the net.

Falconets celebrating victory in Costa Rica

Nigeria’s progression to the knockout stage will be confirmed with a game to spare after France silenced 3-1 Canada in the second Group C match and their quarterfinal opponent are still to be determined.

Despite defeat to Nigeria, South Korea, who defeated Canada 2-0 in their opening match of the tournament will play hope for a favourable result against last group foes, France.

After two wins in two games, Nigeria will seek to wrap up their campaign against Canada on August 18.

Source: SportNewsAfrica

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