Nigeria’s excellent run at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup came to a disappointing end on Sunday following the Falconets’ 2-0 defeat to Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Zera Hulswit and Ziva Henry provided the first half goals to lift the European side to victory in the Costa Rican capital of San José as Nigeria allowed missed opportunities and defensive slip ups to cause their demise. However, the Falconets can be proud of their excellent performances in the group stage as they make it to the quarterfinals for the second straight time in the competition.
It was always going to be difficult with the form that the Netherlands showed in their attack and Hulswit’s 11th minute strike announced their intentions to advance. A ball from out wide into the Nigerian penalty area was inadequately cleared right to Hulswit who chested the ball down before launching in a looping effort past goalkeeper Monle Oyono from seventeen yards out to put her side on the front foot.
Nigeria attempted to claw their way back into the match and had their opportunities to level in the first half. The best look came in the 30th minute when Deborah Abiodun sent a scorching long range effort from over thirty yards out that had Netherlands keeper Lisan Alkemade beat before rocketing into the air off the crossbar. Alkemade scrambled and was able to do enough to keep the ball out despite the challenge of Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu in front of the goal.
Soon after it was Netherlands who extended their lead, however, in the 33rd minute and another poor clearance was to blame for Nigeria. A low cross from the right flank saw Nigeria captain Oluwatosin Demehin’s get a weak foot to the ball which fell right to a waiting Henry whose shot snuck between Oyono’s legs for the second goal. In an even match the defensive missteps made the difference with the Dutch defense and goalkeeper Alkemade holding strong against Nigerian attacks to secure their spot in the final four.
Highlights from Sunday’s match are below.
