Kolkata : Nigeria women’s football team, Falconets, booked their ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final after registering an impressive 3-0 win against England in the Round of 16 match.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 7th minute via a brilliant strike from Tosin Rafiu. The Young Lionesses almost equalized from a penalty kick in the 36th but Nigeria’s goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma saved the spot kick.
Nigeria maintained their 1-0 advantage at halftime and went into the second half with more confidence to score more goals. The Falconets extended their lead in the 47th minute when Janet Akekoromowei struck on goal after a powerful run from the midfielder, which left England scrambling to find a way back into the game.
The Young Lionesses kept trying their level best to find the back of the net but the Falconets’ defenders were too strong and firm at the back, frustrating England.
Nigeria striker Mary Mamudu powered in the third goal in the second half to ensure that their advance to the next round of the competition.
England could not find a way past Uzoma in the net ward as the final whistle blew to signal the end of the match, leaving them empty-handed.
Nigeria will now face Colombia in the quarter-finals after Colombia secured victory in their Round of 16 tie. The Falconets will be aiming to carry their momentum into the next stage as they continue their pursuit of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
