Nigeria – U20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Fall To Germany 3-1 In Second Group D Match

By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria’s U20 women’s football team, the Falconets, has suffered a 3-1 defeat to Germany in their second Group D match at the ongoing 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

The match, held at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, saw the German side overpower the Falconets, pushing them to the top of the group standings with six points from two games.

Germany opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Alara Sehitler capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Nigerian team to put her side ahead. Despite their early setback, the Falconets fought hard but struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.

The Nigerian team showed more determination in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded in the 50th minute when Chiamaka Okwuchukwu levelled the score with a well-placed shot.

However, Germany quickly regained the lead just 11 minutes later, with Sofie Zdebel scoring from a precise finish to make it 2-1.

Nigeria’s hopes were further dampened when they had a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

As the Falconets pressed forward for an equalizer, their efforts were thwarted once more when Sarah Ernst scored Germany’s third goal, sealing the victory for the three-time champions.

With this win, Germany now holds a perfect record with two victories from two matches, placing them firmly at the top of Group D. Nigeria remains in second place with three points, following their earlier victory over South Korea. However, the path to the Round of 16 has become more challenging for the Falconets.

The Nigerian team will now have to wait for the result of the match between Korea Republic and Venezuela to better understand their standing and chances of qualification.

To advance to the knockout stages, the Falconets will need a strong performance in their final group game against Venezuela on Saturday. Meanwhile, Germany will face Korea Republic in their last group match.

A win against Venezuela is crucial for the Falconets to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the Round of 16.