Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, booked their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after an emphatic 4-0 win over Venezuela in Cali.
The victory, powered by goals from Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sebastine, and substitute Joy Igbokwe, ensured the Falconets advanced with six points from three games.
The South Americans kicked off proceedings at Estadio Pascual Guerrero, but it was Nigeria that posed the first threat, and twelve minutes into the game, Okwuchukwu came close to putting the Falconets ahead, but her effort was comfortably saved by the Venezuelan goalkeeper following a clever pass from Sebastine.
Just four minutes later, Nigeria made their dominance count. A quick interplay between Okwuchukwu and Amina Bello saw Bello calmly slot home the opener to put Nigeria in front. Okwuchukwu doubled the lead in the 28th minute, heading in from close range to give Nigeria full control of the match.
Venezuela struggled to break down Nigeria’s defence and were denied by a fantastic save from Faith Omilana, who made her debut start for the Falconets.
Omilana’s heroics kept Venezuela at bay before the Nigerians added to their tally in first-half stoppage time as Flourish Sebastine tapped in Nigeria’s third goal, giving her team a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw the Falconets continue to control the game, but it was substitute Joy Igbokwe who put the icing on the cake.
In the third minute of added time, Igbokwe unleashed a powerful strike from distance, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 victory for Nigeria.
The win propelled Nigeria into the Round of 16, with Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sebastine, and Joy Igbokwe all contributing to a perfect attacking display.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
