Ebere Orji scored her first goal of the 2010 FIFA Under-20 World Cup as Nigeria drew 1-1 with Mexico to progress to the tournament’s knockout stages.

Nigeria, bursting with pace and enthusiasm, looked by far the better side as they hunted down the Mexicans at every turn, pressing them high and quick. But they failed to create openings, despite having more of the possession, and it took a corner kick for them to find the back of the net.

Nigeria scored twice in their last game from deliveries into the box and wary of that threat, Cecilia Santiago did well to turn Amarachi Okoronkwo’s shot out for a corner. Helen Ukaonu delivered the resulting set-piece, the goalkeeper flapped at it, Esther Sunday got the knockdown and Ebere Orji side-footed home.

Less than a minute later, Mexico had a chance to pull even; Stephany Majoy was left free in the box, but slipped with just the keeper in front of her.

And then Orji almost made it a second when her dipping cross from distance clipped the far post with the goalkeeper stranded.

Orji was taken off injured at halftime and Nigeria lost their rhythm, allowing Mexico a dangerous foothold into the game, and in the end, it told.

With Japan winning in the other group game, Mexico were headed out of the competition unless they found a goal. It duly came when Natalia Garcia’s header from a corner found Garciamendez. She controlled the ball with her chest and crashed a right-footed volley into the net from close range.

The goal totally changed the complexion of the group, with Mexico leapfrogging Nigeria into first place on goals scored, while Japan headed out.