By Amosu Adeboye
Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured their first win at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France edging out Korea Republic 2-0 in their second Group A clash at the Stade des Alpes, Grenoble on Wednesday afternoon.
An own goal scored by Lee Geum-Min in the 29th minute and a second half and Asisat Oshoala’s great goal gave the African champions the maximum points in the encounter.
Head coach of the side, Thomas Dennerby made three changes to the side that lost 3-0 to Norway last Saturday with Chiamaka Nnadozie, Chinaza Uchendu and Chidinma Okeke replacing Tochukwu Oluehi, Halimatu Ayinde and Faith Micheal in the starting line-up.
The Koreans, looking to make amend following a 4-0 thrashing by hosts France in their first game, started the game strongly but found the Falcons defence difficult to break down.
The Asians came close to scoring the curtain raiser through Lee in the 18th minute but Nnadozie produced a fine save to deny them.
Nigeria found the break through a minute before the hour mark when Kim Do-Yeon put the ball into her own net.
Rita Chikwelu played in a long ball from midfield and Kim, in an attempt to clear it, mistakenly sent it into her own net.
The Super Falcons maintained the advantage for the remaining part of the first half despite relentless pressure from the Koreans.
The pattern of the game continued after the break with the Nigerian Ladies defending deep amidst relentless attack from their opponent.
Oshoala however made the three points safe for Nigeria when she netted second goal 15 minutes from time.
Okeke dribbled past a South Korean player around the centre circle and played a beautiful pass to Oshoala who fended off her marker and slotted the ball home after also going past the Korean goalkeeper.
Despite a late flurry of attack from South Korea, the African champions stood firm with Nnadozie making a number of vital saves to deny the Asians.
The West Africans will face France in their final group game next week Monday.
