Falconets secure crucial victory in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener against Korea Republic

Nigeria’s Falconets, two-time runners-up in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, kicked off their 2024 campaign with a well-earned 1-0 victory over Korea Republic, courtesy of a late goal by Flourish Sabastine.

The thrilling encounter took place at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogotá, Colombia, in the early hours of Monday.

From the first whistle, Nigeria displayed a strong sense of purpose and determination, relentlessly pressing their opponents and creating several scoring opportunities.

Despite a tightly contested match, the Falconets’ persistence paid off in the 86th minute when Sabastine broke the deadlock, securing a vital three points for her team.

The win places Nigeria in a strong position in Group D, sitting in second place with three points, just behind Germany, who claimed the top spot after a 5-2 triumph over Venezuela.

The Falconets recorded 14 shots, two of which were on target, while Korea Republic managed only seven attempts, with a solitary shot on goal.

READ MORE: Nigeria vs Korea Republic: FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup match preview

This victory further cements Nigeria’s dominance over Korea Republic in the U-20 Women’s World Cup, marking their fourth consecutive win against the Asian side in the competition’s history.

The result significantly boosts the Falconets’ prospects of advancing to the knockout stages and sends a clear signal to their rivals.

Head coach Chris Danjuma commended his players’ tenacity and composure after the match. “It was a challenging game, but the girls showed remarkable character by fighting until the end. Flourish’s goal epitomizes our determination, and we’re proud of this outcome,” Danjuma said.

The Falconets now shift their focus to a crucial showdown against group leaders Germany on Wednesday at 11:00 PM Colombian time. This match will likely determine the top spot in Group D, with both teams eager to avoid a tougher opponent in the knockout rounds.

Elsewhere in Group C, Paraguay secured a 2-0 victory over Morocco, underscoring the competitive nature of this year’s tournament. As the competition heats up, the Falconets will aim to build on their promising start as they continue their quest for a maiden FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.