The Falconets of Nigeria flew marvelously into the quarter final topping group C of the 2022 world U20 female football tournament with a fantastic come back win over hapless Canada 3-1 and Kiss Daniel music ‘Buga’ oozed out from the scanty stadium speakers.
Falcons through to quatre finals
Canada scored the fastest goal of the tournament through Novak in the 2nd minute but two penalties from wonder girl, Esther Onyenezide in 24th and 32nd minutes cancelled the woes of the night before left full back Imuran’s over lapping lob found unmarked Olise who slotted in a wonderful right footer goal in 90+1 minute and the speaker blarred “ololo lo, Buga o”.
The stadium was near empty in the group C game match officiated by Lara Lee of Australia that saw Nigeria, world champions in that category twice, 2002 and 2014 outclass their Canadian opponents in all departments of the game including a wasted opportunity of 5 corners to none of Canada.
In the other game, stubborn South Korea was sent packing with a lone goal victory by France and there was none to comfort the Asian lords.
Mbakem-Niaro scored for France in the match officiated by Ref Vincentia Amedome of Togo
Nigeria topped group C with full 9 points; France came second with 6 points; South Korea had 3 points while Canada failed to secure a single point and their only goal was against Nigeria spoiling the grace to move with a clean slate for the coach Musa led Naija babes.
The quarter final settings now complete with Spain v Mexico in first quarter final on Saturday at 23:30 hours; Columbia v Brazil is on Sunday at 3:00 hours; Nigeria v Netherlands on Sunday at 23:30 hours and Japan v France on Monday at 03:00 hours.
Eniola Olatunji.
