Super Falconets move closer to qualifying for World Cup knock-out phase after beating Haiti 1-0

NIGERIA's U20 female football; team the Super Falconets moved a step closer to qualifying for the knockout rounds of the ongoing World Cup after managing to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti in their second match yesterday.

Having lost their opening game by the same margin to Germany, the Falconets needed a win yesterday and got it thanks to a Rahseedat Ajibade penalty in the 36th minute. At the match played in Stade de Marville, the Falconets survived several scares after going ahead as the Haitians fought back with a vengeance but the girls were able to hold on.

With yesterday's victory, the Falconets are now second on the group table behind Germany, who have already qualified for the next round after defeating China earlier in the day. Nigeria's next game will be against China on Monday in Dinan-Léhon and a draw in that match will be enough to see the Falconets through to the knock out phase.

China lost 0-2 to Germany yesterday after beating Haiti 2-1 in their opening match, leaving the Chinese with three points and a goal difference of minus one. Nigeria, who also have three points from two matches, have a goal difference of zero, however, putting them in second place behind Germany who have six points.

Coach Chris Danjuma will be hoping that his side plays a lot better when they face China as yesterday, he had goalkeeper Chiamaka ​Nnadozie to thank for the victory. Her heroics between the sticks thwarted the rampant Haitians and deservedly won her the man-of-the-match award.

​Nnadozie: said: "It was a very tough game, they were strong but we're strong as well. We played according to our coaches’ instructions and we did all we could. We fought until the end and were able to withstand the pressure. I'm so happy."

Haiti are now out of the tournament having suffered two defeats in their opening matches and will only be playing for pride against Germany on Monday. If Nigeria qualify as runners-up, the Falconets will face the winners of Group C in the next round, which at the moment, is looking like it will be Spain.