The Falconets will face the Canada U-20 in the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup with a place in the quarterfinal already secured. The Nigerians will hope to consolidate on their impressive start so far and pick the vital points to guarantee group leadership.
Nigeria XI: Oyono; Oshobukola; Demehin; Alani; Imuran; Amoo; Abiodun; Onyenezide; Idoko; Okuchukwu; Okpe
4’ – Canada take the lead in Alajuela courtesy of a defensive blunder from goalkeeper Omini Oyono. Early lead for the Canadians.
5′ – Falconets push for an equaliser and pile the pressure on the Canadians quite instantly.
8′- Falconets still asking all the questions but the Canadians are looking resolute and won’t concede an early equaliser in Alajuela
The Falconets have continued to probe here in Alajuela and are working to create goalscoring opportunities
15’ – Chiamaka Okuchukwu has proven a thorn in the flesh of the Canadians and has continued to probe the Canadian defense
18′ – Canada trying to contend with the wave of attacks from the Nigerians after an early lead
20’ – PENALTY to the Falconets!
A Canadian defender handles the ball in the box and the Nigerian girls have a leeway back in the game.
The decision has been subjected to a review by the VAR
24’ – GOAL! Onyenezide levels for Nigeria
25’- Falconets have not taken foot off the gas here and are still pushing for a lead
28’ – Possible penalty! Mercy Idoko fouled
The referee consults the VAR again and it’s a pretty long one in Alajuela.
32’ – GOAL! Nigeria lead
Onyenezide has grabbed her second of the night and third of the tournament.
35’ – Falcons are playing pretty and are comfortable looking for the cushion into the break
45’ – The long VAR review has called for seven minutes additional time
48’ – Idoko fluffs her lines and misses a golden opportunity to grab her first of the tournament
49’ – It’s a raft of attacks on the Canadians as Abiodun Deborah’s long-range strike is acrobatically kept away by the Canadian goalkeeper
52’ – Half Time!
Nigeria go into the break with a lead. Good fight so far by the Falconets
Second half is up for the Nigerians
45’ – Second half underway for the Falconets in Alajuela.
50’ – Early caution taken as goalkeeper Oyono is treated after being caught by a Canadian
52’ – Substitution: Okpe OUT; Sabastine IN
Scoreline is still Nigeria 2 vs 1 Canada in Alajuela
56’ – Alani impresses on the right and swings a cross in but meets nobody
57’ – Onyenezide’s mazy run is thwarted by the Canadian defense. referee waves play on
58’ – Good defending by Alani as she gets on the end of a deep Canadian cross
60’ – The game is at the hour mark and Nigeria have the lead here
61 – Chance! Okuchukwu misses a free header after a delicious Alani cross from deep 6
62 – Free kick for Canada
Hasn’t worked out well here
63’ – Some tantalisisng skill by Abiodun and Sabastine but the final cross is handled by the Canadian goalie
65’ – Oyono saves!
A mazy run by Rose from deep in the Canadian midfield sees her tee up a good pass to a teammate but Oyono is alert
67’ – Alani has continued to whip in the crosses from the right but they have met nobody so far
69’ – Melanhorst has looked impressive in this game since coming on and another good cross is gathered by Oyono
70’ – Alani Yellow – Chris Danjuma on the Nigeriab bench is harping on “cool down” from his girls as they seem in a haste
72’ – Onyenezide wastes a chance and the coach is not happy wiith her. The “cool down” has been the key word here
74’ – Substitution! Okuchukwu OUT; Joy Jerry IN
77’ – Chavoshi OUT; Bessette IN for Canada
78’ – Good carry from Imuran from the Nigerian half sees the Canadians gather. Chris Danjuma is unhappy with Jerry’s cross and is asking for ‘more force’
80’ – Abiodun ‘s shot comfortably gathered
82’ – A long free kick deep into the Nigerian box beats everyone but Alani is on hand to clear
84’ – Alani’s deep cross is brought down by Jerry but her first touch is heavy
85’ – Abiodun, Amoo and Idoko OUT; Olise, Kalu IN
87’ – It’s been an end-to-end ending in Alajuela as Canada are pushing for a draw at least
90 – GOAL! Olise gets on the end of Imuran’s inviting cross and slots into an empty net
90 + 4′
94 – Full Time in Alajuela ! Nigeria 3 vs 1 Canada
Up next for the Falconets Netherlands on Sunday in the quarterfinals of the Costa Rica 2022 World Cup
