Germany, three-time champions, secured a 3-1 victory over Nigeria in their Group D encounter at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The match, played on Wednesday night at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, saw Germany strike twice in the final 30 minutes to overpower the Falconets, leaving Nigeria needing a result in their next fixture to remain in contention.
Nigeria nearly stunned the Germans in the second minute, capitalizing on a defensive error, but Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, through on goal, hesitated to pass to her teammates, allowing goalkeeper Rebecca Adamczyk to make a crucial stop.
Germany’s response came swiftly, as they pushed forward and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute.
Shortly after, Nigeria’s Rofiat Imuran surged down the left, but her cross couldn’t connect with Okwuchukwu in the box.
Germany finally broke through in the 17th minute when Schitler headed home a perfectly delivered cross from the right, catching Nigerian goalkeeper Shukura Bakare out of position.
The German goal put Nigeria on the back foot, though they had a golden opportunity to equalize just before halftime.
Imuran once again caused problems for Germany’s defense, but her weak shot was easily swatted away by Adamczyk with a sharp right hand.
Nigeria found their way back into the game early in the second half. A mix-up between Jalla Veit and Adamczyk allowed Okwuchukwu to pounce and score into an open net in the 50th minute, bringing the scoreline to 1-1 and reigniting the Falconets’ hopes.
The goal was Okwuchukwu’s first of the tournament and showcased Nigeria’s ability to capitalize on Germany’s defensive lapses.
However, the Germans regained control in the 61st minute when Zoebell slotted the ball past Bakare following a cross that split two Nigerian defenders.
Despite the setback, Nigeria thought they had drawn level just two minutes later. Okwuchukwu found the net again after cutting inside from the right, only for the assistant referee to raise the flag for offside, leaving Nigeria frustrated.
Germany sealed the result in stoppage time when Ernst connected with a superb cross, sending a flying header beyond Bakare’s reach.
The victory, following their 5-2 thrashing of Venezuela in their opening match, ensured Germany’s place in the Round of 16.
Nigeria now turns its attention to a crucial clash against Venezuela in Cali on Saturday, where a win will be necessary to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
