Nigeria eliminated from the Women’s World Cup Finals
African
champions Nigeria were eliminated from the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup
finals on Saturday after a three-goal defeat to two –time champions Germany in
the Round of 16 in Grenoble.
Despite
starting brightly and showing much endeavour, pace and physical strength, the
Falcons could not get breach the Germans’ defence, and Alexander Popp got
Germany in front in the 20th minute by sneaking in-between Nigerian
defenders to nod home from a corner kick.
Seven
minutes later, possession and more purposeful play told as Germany earned a
penalty kick, which Daebritz converted smartly to make it 2-0.
In
the 37th minute, Ngozi Okobi rocked the crossbar from a free-kick, and in
added time of the first period, Nigeria had an appeal for a penalty kick turned
down as a German defender blocked Uchenna Kanu’s shot with her arm.
Five
minutes into the second period, Nigeria should have scored. Substitute
Rasheedat Ajibade’s blistering run carved open the German defence but skipper
Desire Oparanozie was late to get herself to the right spot to connect her
telling pass.
The
Falcons continued to work hard but in the 82nd minute, it was all over
after Halimatu Ayinde’s erring backpass was capitalized on by Lea Schueller to
make it three for Germany.
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