Germany Defeats Falconets 3-1, Secures Spot in Next Round of FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup
Germany defeated Nigeria’s Falconets 3-1 in their second group stage match of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo on Thursday morning.
The result has secured Germany’s qualification for the knockout stages, while Nigeria faces an uphill battle to advance.
Germany began the match aggressively but failed to capitalize on Nigeria’s slow start. The Falconets had a notable chance in the 11th minute when Rofiat Imuran found herself in a promising position, but her attempt to square up Chiamaka Okwuchukwu was thwarted.
Germany took the lead in the 17th minute with a powerful header from Alara Sehitler, following a well-delivered cross from Cora Zicai.
Nigeria had an opportunity to equalize immediately, but Okwuchukwu’s effort was comfortably saved by German goalkeeper Rebecca Adamczyk.
The European side could have doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Marie Steiner missed a dangerous cross delivered into the penalty area.
Nigeria, on the attack, struggled to convert their chances, with a low cross into the area preventing Okwuchukwu from getting a clear shot on goal.
Sehitler had a chance to secure a brace in the 36th minute but failed to hit the target from a promising position. Just before halftime, Jumoke Alani’s cross intended for Okwuchukwu was missed, and Imuran’s effort two minutes into stoppage time was again saved by Adamczyk.
Nigeria equalized in the 50th minute when Okwuchukwu capitalized on a mistake by Adamczyk, who failed to control a back pass from Jella Veit, allowing the Nigerian forward to score.
Germany regained the lead in the 61st minute through Sofie Lena Zdebel, who converted a pass from Zicai, sending the ball beyond the reach of Nigeria’s Shukurat Bakare.
Okwuchukwu had another chance to level the score, but her effort was ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee.
Zicai nearly extended Germany’s lead with a shot in the penalty area that missed the target. Substitute Mary Osigwe set up Okwuchukwu in the 82nd minute, but Adamczyk kept the effort out.
In a tense moment late in the game, Alani almost scored an own goal when a misjudged header from Bakare’s misplayed cross sailed over the bar. Germany’s Sarah Ernst sealed the victory with a header in stoppage time, making the final score 3-1.
With this win, Germany has secured their place in the next round, while Nigeria must avoid defeat in their final group match against Venezuela to enhance their chances of advancing.
