Nigeria’s U-20 women’s football team, the Falconets, has secured a spot in the knockout stages of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a convincing 4-0 victory over Venezuela on Saturday.
Led by coach Chris Danjuma, the team needed a positive result to advance after a mixed group stage performance.
The Falconets started strong, with Omowunmi Bello scoring the opening goal in the 16th minute, assisted by Chiamaka Cristabel Okwuchukwu. Okwuchukwu added a second goal in the 28th minute, with Alani providing the assist.
Flourish Chioma Sabastine scored the third goal in stoppage time, giving Nigeria a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the Falconets confidently defended their lead, with coach Danjuma introducing several changes.
In the dying moments of the game, Joy Igbokwe scored a fourth goal, assisted by Esther Ajakaye in additional time.
The win sees Nigeria finish second in Group D, level on points with Germany but behind on goal difference.
The Falconets now await the conclusion of the group stages to learn who their opponents will be in the knockout rounds.
