Nigeria’s Falconets kicked off their 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea early Monday morning at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Colombia.

Exciting forward Flourish Sabastine netted the winning goal four minutes from time to hand the Falconets all the maximum points on offer.

The first half was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. However, the Falconets started the second half with renewed vigour.

Imuran tried to set up Mary Nkpa for the opener, but the forward couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity. Imuran had another chance to score from a free-kick, but her effort sailed over the crossbar.

A moment of anxiety followed when goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare misjudged a free-kick, almost gifting South Korea a goal, but the Koreans failed to take advantage. 

The Falconets continued to push for a breakthrough, and their persistence paid off in the 86th minute. Flourish Sabastine’s attempted cross turned into an unlikely goal, evading Korean goalkeeper Woo Seo-Bin to put Nigeria ahead.

Osigwe had a chance to double Nigeria’s lead in stoppage time but missed the target.

With this win, Nigeria join Germany atop Group D and will face the three-time World champions on Wednesday in a crucial match that could secure their progression to the next round.

The Germans were good value for the win in their first game as they smashed Venezuela in a 5-2 victory.

Bayer Leverkusen youngster Loreen Bender bagged a brace in a frantic first half that ended 4-1 in favour of the European giants.

Elsewhere, Spain U20 edged to a narrow 1-0 win over the United States while Paraguay forced a 2-0 defeat down the throat of Morocco.