Sebastine late goal secures Falconets win over Korea Republic

Nigeria’s Falconets secured a crucial win against the Korea Republic in their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup clash in Colombia, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal by Flourish Sabastine.

The match at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Bogota, was filled with tension, as both teams struggled to find clear scoring opportunities.

The first half was not without drama, as Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Shukurat Bakare, narrowly avoided disaster in the 28th minute after missing a pull-out, but the South Korean forward failed to capitalize, sending the ball over the crossbar.

The Falconets had their own near-miss when Mary Lucky Mkpa fired over the bar following a brilliant pass from Rofiat Imuran.

Just before halftime, Korea came close to taking the lead when Myeyung’s 22-yard free-kick rattled the crossbar, giving the Nigerian team a significant scare.

Nigeria responded with efforts of their own, but Sabastine and Amina Bello saw their shots blocked inside the opposition box. Substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu also had a promising run down the right flank but was unable to convert the opportunity.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both sides battling for dominance, but it was Sabastine’s late strike that ultimately made the difference, handing Nigeria a hard-earned victory and crucial points in their World Cup campaign.

However, when it looked like the game was heading to a stalemate, Sabastine sliced the ball from the right wing to smack the upright into the back of the net for the winner.

Next up for Chris Danjuma’s side is a clash on Wednesday evening against three-time champions, Germany who beat Venezuela in the other Group D fixture.