The Super Falcons have revived their hopes of progressing into the next round of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating South Korea 2-0 on Wednesday, June 12, at the Stade del Alpes in Grenoble.
The Falcons began the game on a very good note, throbbing the Korean side endlessly for a goal, and they were duly rewarded in the 29th minute, when defender Kim Doyeon slot the ball into her own net following a goal-mouth squabble.
The Asians pulled a few technical moves in a bid to equalize the game, but were unsuccessful. In the 58th minute parity almost returned to the game when Lee Guem Min shot home from goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie’s, deflection, but the goal was flagged as offside.
Asisat Oshoala put the game beyond the reach of the Koreans following a brilliant 75th minute strike from a long ball by substitute Chidinma Okeke.
With the goal, Oshoala has become the only other Nigerian to score in two Women’s World Cups (2015 and 2019), after Rita Nwadike’s feat in 1995 and 1999.
The 24-year old Barcelona Ladies star, who was named the Player-of-The-Match, was lauded by Nwadike, who believes there is yet more we can see Oshoala do for Nigeria in the coming games.
“The Falcons played a good game from the start and I must commend them for that. They were very compact and solid in defending. Overall, it was an improved performance from the team but I still believe Oshoala can perform more than this.
“She (Oshoala) must do more to help the team going ahead of their final game. She has a lot to offer this team. Chidinma Okeke and the goalkeeper (Chiamaka Nnadozie) were also outstanding.”
— Rita Nwadike
Source: Punchng
Featured image source: Bluefield Daily Telegraph