The Falconets of Nigeria bounced back from their opening day defeat at the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in the hands of the Young Nadeshiko of Japan by earning a 3-1 victory over the Canucks of Canada.Nigeria came from a goal down to beat Canada in Bava Park, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Canada was tested early on when Chinwendu Ihezuo shot narrowly over the bar on 10 minutes.
The Canadians took the lead 5 minutes later when Deanne Rose received a long ball inside the box and played a neat pass to Gabrielle Carle, and the No. 10 made no mistake from close range.
Nigeria came close to capitalising on a mistake on 37 minutes when Hannah Taylor lost control of the ball in her box, allowing Rasheedat Ajibade time to pounce, but her effort was blocked by Rylee Foster.
The Falconets eventually equalised just before half-time when Canada’s key player Bianca St Georges was penalised for handling the ball inside the area, with Chinaza Uchendu stepping up and converting the spot-kick.
Nigeria made an instant impact in the second half with Joy Bokiri putting the African side into the lead immediately after the restart.
Peter Dedevbo‘s side then doubled their advantage on 73 minutes when Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalised on a mistake by goalkeeper Foster and was left with an easy finish in front of an empty goal.
