Asisat Oshoala scored what proved the match winner in the 2-0 win over South Korea as Nigeria secured their first win in group A and – the first since 2011.
2011 – Nigeria’s 2-0 win over South Korea is the Super Falcons’ first win in the World Cup since July 2011 when they defeated Canada 1-0. They failed to win in the 2015 World Cup. Turnaround. #FIFAWWC #NGAKOR
— Opta Nigeria (@OptaNGR) June 12, 2019
The Falcons and their opponents entered the game needing a win to keep hopes of progressing to the next round alive, but the 8 time African champions simply showed they wanted it more.
Although South Korea looked the more likely of the two to finish top, it was a fortuitous goal that gifted Nigeria a breather in the half.
Kim Doyeon scored a own-goal, but it seemed to have taken a touch from Desire Oparanozie’s hand. The suspicion drew the Referee’s consult of VAR – but the goal stood, 1-0 Nigeria.
The sides into the break but there was more to play for in the second 45 minutes and both sides came out strong.
However, there will be no goals early on, despite Korea’s best efforts to wear done the Nigerian defense line – Chiamaka Nnadozie kept it clean.
18 – At 18 years and 186 days, Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has become the youngest ever goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in a Women’s World Cup game. Eaglet. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/SMpxKxV3ms
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 12, 2019
But the team were able to turn defence to attack and the transition provided the second goal for the Falcons.
Chidinma Okeke’s long range pass picked out Oshoala, who still had some work to do. The forward beat her marker and rounded the goalie to squeeze it in from a tight angle to double the lead.
The game wore on and either side could have scored, but it ended 2-0 and Nigeria have now breath life into their chance of reaching the round of 16 as one of the best third placed teams.
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