Africa recorded her 1st victory in the on-going FIFA Women World Cup in France, when 1 of her 3-flag bearers, Nigeria recorded a 2 nil win over group A counterpart, South Korea. It was a much-needed relief for both Nigeria and Africa as a loss could have made 2nd-round qualification a daunting task. South Africa and Cameroun, the 2 other Africa's representative can now draw inspiration from Nigeria's victory. It could be recalled that all 3 recorded a losing start to their campaign in France.
Having lost their opening match 0-3 to Norway Nigerian Women known as the Super Falcons knew that the tie against South Korea is a must win if they are to go beyond the group stage for the 1st time since their only qualification out of group stage in 1999, hosted by the United State of America. However, the win certainly didn't come on a platter of gold, the South Korean(14th), like France(4th) and Norway(12th) which completed group A teams are some places above the Super Falcons(38th) on FIFA rankings, nevertheless, the Koreans are struggling for form going into the match, having not only lost their opener to France 0-4, the failed to record a single win in their last 4 international matches, drew 1 and lost 3, and the Nigerian duly took advantage of their opponent.
The tie was dominated largely by the Koreans, but it was the Nigerians that drew the 1st shot on target in the 10th minute through Desire Oparanozie's header, but it was well saved by Kim Minjung in goal for Korea. Korea responded 8 minutes later with their own effort on target through Lee Geum-Min, but Nigeria's goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was up to the challenge. However, Nigeria took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Kim Do-Yeon put the ball into his own net after pressure from Oparanozie, VAR check for a possible handball from the Nigerian striker with ball goal-bound, but there was none as the goal stood. Super Falcons held onto their 1 nil lead going into the half-time break.
South Korean stepped up the gas in the 2nd half as expected, drawing Nigeria's goalkeeper to a save 7 minute into the restart, Nnadozie was making another save in the 58th minute, denying Jang Sel-Gi. Korea failed to break the Falcons down despite their larger possession as the Nigerians were resolute in defence. Korean thought they have the equaliser after the hour mark, but it was rightly ruled offside for Nigeria's relief. Nigeria then pulled further clear with an all-important 2nd goal following a swift counter-attack, Barcelona ace, Asisat Oshoala rounded up Korean goalkeeper before firing home from a tight corner. Nigeria would have their goalkeeper, Nnadozie to thank for a couple of smart saves and good positioning in quick succession as the Korean threaten to score, Yeo Min-Ji was denied in the 87th and 90th minutes respectively by Nnadozie who preserved Nigeria's 2-goal lead as the referee blew for full time.
There is a whole lot of work still to be done by the Super Falcons if they are to beat the group stage, they play a talented host, France in the last group A fixtures, and they must avoid a big margin defeat or get a draw if not an upset in that crucial last match. The Nigerians now pick up a win to improve on a poor Women's World Cup record to 4 wins, 17 losses and 3 draws in 8 tournaments.
Thank you all for your time.
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