Follow Us on Google
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Falconets of Nigeria, yesterday, defeated the U20 team from Senegal 4 – 1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin to qualify the U20 World Cup holding in Costa Rica in August this year.
Edo Queens striker, Sabastin Flourish, opened scoring for the Falconets in the 7th minute after dribbling past goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye to slot in into an open net, sending the Benin fans into celebration.
Sebastian Flourish again headed into the net a right flank cross from Esther Onyenezide in the 19th minute to make it 2-0 for Nigeria, before she was brought down in the 18 yard box in the 21th minute to give Nigeria a penalty which was converted by Esther Onyenezide in the 24th minute after one initial cancellation due to goalkeeper leaving her line.
Just before the half time break, the Senegalese pulled one back after Falconet defender Jumoke Alani brought down striker Hapsatou Diallo in the 18-yard box, which was converted by the Senegalese goalkeeper, Adji Ndiaye.
Several goal scoring opportunities were missed in the second half which produced only 1 goal in the 88th minute. The goal was scored by substitute Joy Jerry in her first touch of the game with an assist from star girl, Sabastin Flourish.
Speaking at a post-match conference, Head Coach of the Falconets, Christopher Danjuma, expressed joy in the performance of the girls throughout the qualifying series, promising that “Nigerians should expect a good outing in Costa Rica. We have had a plan all along and that plan is what has taken us here. The technical crew will review the plan and make changes where necessary as we are going to a bigger stage.”
Speaking with journalists after the game, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, congratulated the girls for their victory and qualification to the world cup, noting that “It is a thing of joy to know that our girls got their qualification from the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Edo is a place of Luck for our teams and when you come here you will always win, because God resides in Edo and when you come to play in Edo and call on God, God will answer you, and the God of Soccer is always with us.”
