#U20WWC: Esther Onyenezide scores two as Nigeria beat Canada to set up Quarterfinal clash v Netherlands

Esther Onyenezide scored two goals to help Nigeria to a 3-1 comeback win against Canada in their last group game at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Kaila Lillyanna Novak put Canada in front in the second minute of the game after a blunder from Falconets goalie Omini Oyono.

Nigeria equalized in the 22 minutes of the game from a well-taken spot kick by Esther Onyenezide.

The penalty was awarded after a Canadian player handled a goal-bound ball – the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty and handed the Canadian a red card.

After a VAR consultation, the card was changed from red to yellow but the penalty stayed.

Nigeria were soon awarded another penalty after a Canadian with a Nigerian name Simi Awujo fouled Idoko in the box.

Again, a penalty and a yellow were awarded but the yellow was rescinded and the penalty stayed.

Esther Onyenezide stepped up and scored again to complete her brace for her third goal in three games.

At half-time it ended 2-1 in favour of Nigeria.

Chioma Olise scored Nigeria’s third goal in the 90th minute of the game as the Falconets finished top of the log with 9 points.

In the other game, France defeated South Korea 1-0 to finish second in the group.

Nigeria will now play the Netherlands in the quarterfinal while France play defending champions Japan too.

Quarterfinal fixtures

Spain v Mexico
Columbia v Brazil
Nigeria v the Netherlands
Japan v France

The game between Nigeria and Netherlands will be played on Monday, 1 am Nigerian time.