Falconets cruise into U20 World Cup quarter finals with ease following 3-1 win over Canada

NIGERIA'S Super Falconets will face The Netherlands in the quarter finals of the ongoing Fifa U20 Women's World Cup after topping their group with a maximum of nine points following a 3-1 victory over Canada in their final group game last night.

Thanks to goals from Esther Onyenezide and Chioma Olise, the Falconets came from behind to secure all three points and remain undefeated in Group C. Nigeria had already won their opening two games of the competition, with 1-0 victories against France and South Korea but conceded their first goal in the tournament yesterday.

Yesterday, after just two minutes, the Falconets went behind as a goalkeeping mistake from Omini Oyono allowed the Canadians to take the lead. After that, the Falconets  picked themselves up, putting the Canadians under a lot of pressure and finally cracked them in the 20th minute.

Nigeria was awarded a penalty after the referee blew for handball in the Canadian box and striker Onynezide was on hand to open the scoring from the spot. After that, the Falconets were always in control and their relentless play fetched them another penalty after Mercy Idoko was brought down by a Canadian player.

Once more, Onyenezide did not take any prisoners, as she slammed the ball home to ensure Nigeria took a 2-1 lead going into the break. In the second half, the game fizzled out a bit, although Canada looked dangerous in the closing minutes as they searched for a late equaliser.

Nonetheless, the Super Falconets showed superiority and managed to keep them at bay. In injury time, however, Chioma Olise  put the icing on the cake in as she turned in a cross from left fullback Rofiat Imuran to ensure the game ended 3-1.

Nigeria will now face the Netherlands in one of the quarter finals on Sunday. Twice in the past, Nigeria has got to the finals of this tournament and this time around the Falconets are eager to actually lift the trophy.