Falconets crush Venezuela to reach World Cup knockout stages
Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Venezuela in their final group game.
The result ensured their progression from Group D, finishing level on points with Germany but securing second place on goal difference.
After an opening win against Korea Republic and a setback in their loss to Germany, the Falconets needed a strong performance to advance. Led by head coach Chris Danjuma, they got off to a flying start when Omowunmi Bello opened the scoring in the 16th minute following a brilliant assist from Chiamaka Cristabel Okwuchukwu.
Okwuchukwu doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 28th minute, capitalizing on another well-placed pass from Alani. By the close of the first half, Flourish Chioma Sabastine added a third, extending the Falconets’ dominance after scoring her second goal of the tournament.
In the second half, the Falconets expertly managed their lead, and in the dying moments of the match, substitute Joy Igbokwe put the result beyond doubt, netting a fourth goal in additional time, assisted by Esther Ajakaye.
The convincing victory means the Falconets now await the conclusion of the group stage to find out their opponents in the knockout round, as they aim to continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
