Nigeria’s U-20 women’s football team, the Falconets, kicked off their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Korea Republic at the Estadio El Techo in Bogota, Colombia on Sunday night.
Flourish Sabastine’s 86th-minute goal proved decisive in a tightly contested Group D encounter.
The match was a showcase of young talent, with both sides demonstrating skill and determination throughout.
Korea Republic threatened early, with Park Soojeong narrowly missing a golden opportunity from close range.
Nigeria responded through the brilliance of 16-year-old Lucky Nkpa, whose clever interplay with Rofiat Imuran resulted in a chance that sailed just over the bar.
The first half saw end-to-end action, with Korea Republic’s Kim Shinji rattling the crossbar just before the interval, serving as a wake-up call for the Nigerian defence.
Nigeria asserted themselves in the second half, with Imuran’s free-kick narrowly missing the target and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu’s mazy run forcing a save from Korean goalkeeper Woo Seobin.
The Falconets’ persistence finally paid off when Sabastine’s intended cross eluded Seobin and found the back of the net, sending the Nigerian supporters into raptures.
This victory extends Nigeria’s impressive record in the tournament, marking their fourth consecutive win over Korea Republic in U-20 World Cup history.
It also continues the Falconets’ strong group stage form, having lost only two of their last 23 group matches in the competition.
Looking ahead, Nigeria faces a stern test against Germany, while Korea Republic will seek to bounce back against Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Morocco‘s U-20 Women’s World Cup debut ended in disappointment as they fell 2-0 to Paraguay in Cali, Colombia also on Sunday.
The Atlas Lionesses showed early promise, with Hajar Jbilou striking the crossbar, but Paraguay’s Fatima Acosta proved the difference.
Acosta capitalized on a goalkeeping error to chip home the opener before halftime.
She then sealed the win from the penalty spot in the 57th minute.
Despite the loss, Morocco displayed flashes of potential in a tough Group C alongside heavyweights USA and Spain.
The North Africans will need to regroup quickly as they face the USA next, while Paraguay takes on Spain in their upcoming fixtures.