Brazil Denies Falconets In Japan …U-20 Women W/Cup

Nigeria missed a chance to become the first team through to
the FIFAUnder-20 Women’s World Cup knockout phase with a 1-1 draw against
Brazil on Wednesday.

Francisca Ordega’s super strike on the stroke of halftime
was cancelled by Giovanna Oliveira with three minutes of time left as Brazil
clawed their way back into contention.

The point kept the Super Falcons top of the group after  Italy lost 0-2 to Korea in the group’s other
game, but Nigeria will see it as two points dropped rather than a point gained.

Brazil started the game with more composure, as the
Falconets looked to press with a high-risk, early intensity.

But it was the Brazilians who continually unnerved the
Nigerian back line with their incisive movement and passing.

They almost went in front when Ibubeleye Whyte only  a fingertip to what should have been a
routine low cross.

Fortunately, skipper Gloria Ofoegbu was on hand to mop up
the spill with Ketln lurking at the back post.

With three minutes to the break, the Falconets turned it up.
From nowhere, Ngozi Okobi laid a nothing ball to foot for Ordega. The former
Under-17 striker spun and let rip into the low left hand corner from 20 yards.

Spurred by the goal, the Nigerian ladies carved out two more
chances. First Okobi flashed one wide from distance, and then Desire Oparanozie
only just missed with a lob over goalkeeper Danielle, who was hopelessly out of
position.

But Brazil survived and Nigeria were made to rue those
misses.

Gassing out from all that early running, the Falconets were
pinned to their half. And things took a grim turn when first choice goalkeeper
Ibubeleye Whyte appeared to twist her ankle, forcing a substitution.

With the pressure piling, Edwin Okon threw on first Ebere
Orji, then Blessing Edoho.

If Orji helped ease the pressure upfront, Edoho exacerbated
it. Her first contribution was to give away a free kick, and pick up a yellow
card with a badly mistimed challenge.