FIFA U-20 W’Cup: Falconets Reach Semi Final …Beat Mexico 1-0

Nigeria’s Falconets yesterday in Tokyo advanced to the
semi-finals of the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan, following a 1-0
win over Mexico in extra-time.

In the hard-fought match, the Nigerians were made to work
hard before a Desire Oparanozie goal in the 19th minute of extra time settled
matters.

The Falconets dominated the game from the start in spite of
the Mexicans spirited fight back.

Group B leaders from the preliminary matches, the Falconets
played with much confidence and savvy but failed to translate their dominance
into goals.

Francisca Ordega, Gloria Ofoegbu and Oparanozie were
prevented from getting on the score sheet early in the game by Mexican
goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago and her defenders.

Mexico forced their way back into the game in the final 25
minutes, pushing back the 2010 competition runners-up and creating a few
anxious moments for the Nigerians.

Nayeli Rangel headed narrowly wide, while Yamile Franco hit
the bar with a free kick late in the game.

But Oparanozie, a veteran of the Nigerian national women
team, provided the goal when it mattered with 11 minutes left on the clock.

Her looping header to an Ugo Njoku’s cross broke the
deadlock and took Nigeria to their second consecutive semi-final appearance in
the competition.

Nigeria will face the winners of the U.S./North Korea
quarter-final pairing in today’s semi-finals on Tuesday in Tokyo.

The US versus North Korea match is scheduled for today in
Saitama.