FIFA U-20 women world cup: Nigeria in good start
By Lekan Sowande, Abuja
Nigeria began their 2012 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Korea in Saitama, Japan to go top of Group B.
Ngozi Okobi opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark, while Desire Oparanozie extended the advantage midway through the second period.
However, Korea suffered a massive blow in the latter stages of the first half with midfield schemer Yeo Minji, the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup adidas Golden Ball winner, forced off with injury.
Falconets coach Edwin Okon restated the team’s target to become the first African team to win a FIFA women’s tournament.
"We give God the glory for this victory. It’s a good start for us and we are happy. Like I said to you before we came the World Cup, our target is to win the cup this time and I think we have started well," an elated Okon said.
Nigeria's next game will be against Brazil on Wednesday.
In another group game, Italy and Brazil played out a 1-1 draw.
In group A,
Japan 4 Mexico 1
New Zealand 2 Switzerland 1
Group B
Brazil 1 Italy 1
Nigeria 2 Korea Republic 0
Next up
Monday 20 August
Group C
Korea DPR-Norway,
Argentina-Canada,
Group D
Ghana-USA,
Germany-China PR,
Hajia Sani |
