NIGERIA’S Super Falconettes have soared into the semi finals of the U20 Women’s World Cup currently taking place in Canada with an emphatic 4-1 thrashing of New Zealand that has sent shockwaves through the tournament.

Now seen as the favourites to lift the trophy, the rampant Falconettes were merciless yesterday, racing into a three goal lead. Two goals apiece from Asisat Oshoala and Uchechi Sunday at the Moncton Stadium last night, now sets up a semi clash against North Korea on Wednesday at the same venue.

As early as the first minute, the Falconettes showed they meant serious business with Oshoala scoring just 31 seconds into the game, finishing an attack that began from the kick-off. Ugo Njoku sent in an inch-perfect cross from the right in between two New Zealand defenders, allowing the striker to head home from six yards.


It was the second-fastest goal at the U-20 Women’s World Cup ever, only bettered by team-mate Courtney Dike’s strike 18 seconds into Nigeria’s second group stage game against South Korea. Oshoala then doubled Nigeria’s lead 11 minutes later after Chinwendu Ihezuo sent a delightful ball into space, beating four Kiwi defenders with the pass.

After receiving the ball, Oshoala to chase took one touch towards goal and finished through the legs of New Zealand goalkeeper Lily Alfeld. An enthusiastic dancing celebration involving Oshoala and her team-mates ensued near the corner flag to the delight of the watching crowd.

New Zealand, who were playing in their first quarter-final at the U-20 Women’s World Cup, looked out of their comfort zone throughout the first half and were never able to trouble the Nigerian backline. After the second goal, the Falconettes seemed to settle on their lead, with the action abating as both teams struggled to control possession on a rainy pitch in Moncton.

It was much of the same after the break, although Emma Rolston nearly gave New Zealand some hope in the 54th minute. She flicked on a hopeful long ball, which nearly caught Falconettes goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii by surprise but the keeper was able to get a hand on it.

Alfeld did well to keep the scoreline at two nil in the 68th minute when she tipped a shot on to the crossbar from Uchenna Kanu. There was not much the Kiwi keeper could do six minutes from time though when Sunday blasted home from a corner kick just six yards out, to extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-0.

Rolston later ensured New Zealand would not crash out of the quarter-final without the consolation of goal, beating a Nigerian defender to the near post and redirecting Jasmine Pereira’s cross past Chiichii to make it 3-1 after 89 minutes. In the waning seconds, however, Nigeria restored her three-goal lead when Sunday scored her second goal in six minutes.

A pacey striker adorning the number 20 top, she dribbled down the left, beat her defender and calmly finished past Alfeld. Since their opening 1-1 draw with Mexico, the Falconettes have now won three games in a row and remain favourites for the trophy.




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