21st July, 2010
The Super Falconets of Nigeria this afternoon qualified for the quarter final stage of the ongoing Germany 2010 FIFA U-20 Women World Cup, after playing a 1-1 draw with Mexico in their last group match at Bochum.
The Nigerian girls, who shot to the lead with a 16th minute goal scored by Ebere Orji in the first half, had their hearts in their mouths as the Mexicans nearly sent them packing from the tournament.
Ebere drew the first blood for Nigeria via a corner kick and could have scored more goals with her daring moves but the Mexican defenders held tight to their rear.
The Falconets, who were a delight to watch gave a good account of themselves, especially in the second of the game but the attackers finished poorly while goalkeeper Alaba Jonathaan also put up a great show.
However, the Mexicans responded well to the crucial match by taking the game deeper into Nigeria’s vital area in the second stanza.
The pressure yielded a deserved equaliser for Mexico as Alina Carciamendez netted the ball at a close range in the 77th minute.
With the draw, Mexico are top of Group C and are through to the quarter final with the same five points as Nigeria, who are in the last eight but finished second with inferior goals difference.
In another match, Japan humbled England 3-1 but both teams failed to advance to the next stage having placed third and fourth in the group.
—Sunday Akintoye