Falconets off to World Cup winning start
Oparanozie scored second goal against Korea
Sunshine attacked in Algeria
Nigeria began their 2012 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign on Sunday with a 2-0 win
over Korea in Saitama to go top of Group B.
In the other game of the group, Italy and Brazil played out a 1-1 draw.
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 declared.
Nigeria's next game will be against Brazil on Wednesday.
Ngozi Okobi opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark, while Desire Oparanozie extended the advantage midway through the second period.
The Nigerians, backed by a buoyant and colourful band of supporters, went ahead following smart work from Francisca Ordega on the right side of the box, with the midfielder playing a perfect low ball across the face of goal for Okobi to score.
With Okobi, Ordega and Oparanozie all dangerous in possession, Nigeria provided a regular threat, although Korea Republic, with their short-passing game in evidence, provided a tough opponent for the 2010 runners-up.
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.
Nigeria claimed a deserved second goal with Ebere Orji’s cross into the penalty area finding Oparanozie, who scored with a stylish header.
Late chances went the way of Esther Sunday, but Nigeria had to make do with a 2-0 victory.
In the other game of the group, Italy and Brazil played out a 1-1 draw.
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 declared.
Nigeria's next game will be against Brazil on Wednesday.
Ngozi Okobi opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark, while Desire Oparanozie extended the advantage midway through the second period.
The Nigerians, backed by a buoyant and colourful band of supporters, went ahead following smart work from Francisca Ordega on the right side of the box, with the midfielder playing a perfect low ball across the face of goal for Okobi to score.
With Okobi, Ordega and Oparanozie all dangerous in possession, Nigeria provided a regular threat, although Korea Republic, with their short-passing game in evidence, provided a tough opponent for the 2010 runners-up.
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.
Nigeria claimed a deserved second goal with Ebere Orji’s cross into the penalty area finding Oparanozie, who scored with a stylish header.
Late chances went the way of Esther Sunday, but Nigeria had to make do with a 2-0 victory.
{message}