Joe
BOGOTA – Germany secured a 3-1 victory over Nigeria in their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Group D match at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo on Wednesday night.
The win sends the three-time champions into the Round of 16, building on their previous 5-2 triumph over Venezuela.
The match began with early chances for both teams, with Nigeria nearly taking the lead in the second minute. Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, after intercepting a German attack, found herself in front of goal but failed to beat German goalkeeper Rebecca Adamczyk.
Germany responded strongly, and in the 17th minute, Schitler opened the scoring by heading in a precise cross from the right flank, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Shukura Bakare stranded.
As the first half drew to a close, Nigeria had another chance to equalize, but Rofiat Imuran’s weak shot was easily saved by Adamczyk, keeping Germany ahead at halftime.
Five minutes into the second half, Nigeria leveled the match. A defensive error from Jalla Veit and Adamczyk allowed Okwuchukwu to slot the ball into an open net, scoring her first goal of the tournament.
Germany regained the lead in the 61st minute, as Zoebell calmly finished from a cross, beating two Nigerian defenders. Nigeria almost responded immediately, with Okwuchukwu finding the back of the net again, only to be flagged offside.
Germany sealed the victory in added time when Ernst’s flying header from a cross left Bakare helpless, bringing the final score to 3-1.
Germany’s victory guarantees their progression to the knockout stage, while Nigeria will face Venezuela on Saturday in a must-win match to keep their tournament hopes alive.
