Nigeria women’s national U-20 football team, the Falconets, edged tournament debutants Haiti 1-0 in a thrilling group stage matchup that took centre stage at the Stade de Marville, France on Thursday.
Following a twist of fate that saw the Nigerian side suffer a 1-0 defeat to Germany in Monday’s game, both teams clearly had everything to prove as Haiti also went down 2-1 to China on Monday.
Falconets forward, Rasheedat Ajibade came close in the first minute with a goal-bound cross, but Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Théus was in top form to stop the shot.
The Falconets, however, got a chance from the penalty spot after Haiti centre-back Dougenie Joseph fouled Anam Imo. FC Robo forward Ajibade took the shot – sending it into the back of the Haiti net to give Nigeria a much-needed lead in the 36th minute.
The Caribbean team immediately picked up the offensive, completing more passes and shooting more shots than the Falconets, coming just within an inch of the equalizer they fought for. However, lady luck was on Nigeria’s side throughout the matchup.
The Haitian ladies were brutal in their counterattacks, but Falconets goalie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, proved her worth yet again, stopping every goal-bound shot that slipped past her defenders.
Nigeria is second in the Group D table, 3 points behind tournament favourites Germany who won the 2010 and 2014 editions of the championship. China and Niger are on 3 points each while Haiti has zero points after two matches.
Feature image: completesportsnigeria.com
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