Nigeria took control of Group C at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 by defeating Korea Republic 2-1 in Moncton.
Courtney Dike scored the fastest goal in Women’s World Cup history after she took advantage of Korea Republic’s lacklustre defending.
Dike, who was starting her first match of the tournament after coming on as substitute in the opener against Mexico, set the tone for the Super Falconets, who were eager to jump to the top of Group C after England and Mexico had shared the spoils earlier in the day in a 1-1 draw.
Nigeria continued to threaten Korea Republic’s goal when Osarenoma Igbinovia had a shot from distance tipped over the bar by Min Yukyeong.
Nigeria had another opportunity in the 17th minute when Asisat Oshoala’s cross found Loveth Ayila who was unmarked in the penalty area.
However, her shot hit a defender and missed just wide.
Korea Republic had their first chance of the first half in the 24th minute when Kim Soyi’s attempted chip over Nigeria goalkeeper, Sandra Chiichii, went over the bar.
Soyi and her team would regret the missed opportunity as Nigeria took a two-goal lead 10 minutes later through Chinwendu Ihezuo.
Ugo Njoku’s cross from the right wing found Ihezuo who controlled the ball before unleashing a strong shot past Minyeong.
Nigeria picked up from where they started by controlling the opening stages of the second half.
However, Korea Republic were able to ask questions of the Super Falconets’ defence as the half progressed.
The best chance for Korea Republic came in the 59th minute when Kim Inji received the ball and shot from the left side of the penalty area only for her effort to go inches wide of the near post.
Inji would have another shot narrowly missing 10 minutes later as the Nigerians continued to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
The match turned on its head in the 71st minute when Nigeria failed to clear their lines effectively and Soyi capitalised by scoring from the edge of the penalty area and gave the Koreans a lifeline.
Korea Republic continued to threaten to score an equaliser, but Nigeria’s defence held on to claim the first win of the group in Moncton.
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