The Super Falconets of Nigeria made it a perfect nine points out of nine in Group C to set a World Cup group stage perfect record for themselves after defeating Canada 3-1 in Alajuela on Thursday morning.
Chris Danjuma would have been happy his girls were able to sustain their winning mentality following hard-fought victories over France and Korea Republic after Africa’s best team conceded their first goal of the competition in an accidental manner, with goalkeeper Omini Oyono’s poor mishandling of a backpass from Jumoke Alani gifting Canada’s Kala Novak a fortuitous goal in less than two minutes. The impressive Esther Onyenezide scored twice from the penalty spot, first in the 24th minute to pull the Falconets level and then in the 32nd minute minute, after Canada’s Simi Awujo was punished for dangerous play against Nigeria’s Mercy Idoko.
The Nigerians upped the ante in the second half, adding pace and brilliant use of space to their game, and it was no surprise when the very energetic Rofiat Imuran, with a visionary cross, set up substitute Chioma Olise for Nigeria’s third goal.
The Falconets have now set up a quarter-final date with the Netherlands in Alajuela at 1am on Monday (Nigeria time).