U20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria stumble against Germany, loses 3-1

The Falconets of Nigeria lost 3-1 against Germany in their second game of the 2024 Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

After an opening day 1-0 victory over South Korea, Nigeria could not keep up against Germany, and were defeated.

The Germans has been a thorn in Nigeria’s flesh at the under-20 female World Cup. The defeat is Nigeria’s fourth in a row at the hands of Germany at this tournament. No other team has beaten Nigeria more times.

Germany got the victory courtesy of goals from Alara Sehitler, Sofie Zdebel and Sarah Ernst.

The German ladies got an early opener, as Alara Sehitler headed home Zicai’s cross in the 17 minute to give the German ladies the lead. The Falconets equalised in the 51st minute courtesy of Chiamaka Okwuchukwu’s empty net’s goal.

However, Nigeria were helpless against the European giant and fell ten minutes after, to a low cross from Zicai which Zdebel rippled into the net.

Germany sealed the victory in the stoppage time, as Miriam Hils crossing was met by Ernst bullet header.

Nigeria were however wasteful, missing several chances in the game. They could have been two goals up before Germany got the opener, but could not convert their chances.

Okwuchukwu almost broke the deadlock early in the game when she dashed into the Germany penalty area, but Rebecca Adamczyk made the stop with her outstretched right leg. The German goalkeeper also repelled Rofiat Imuran’s attempt on goal.

Nigeria’s wing-backs Jumoke Alani and Oluchi Ohaegbulem also underperformed and cost the Falconets. They were easy to dribble past, had trouble picking up German runners at the back post, and allowed crosses to fly into the Nigeria box freely.

The teams will play their final group games on Saturday. Germany stay in Bogota to take on Korea Republic, while Nigeria face Venezuela in Cali.