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Nigeria’s under-20 women’s football team, the Falconets, on Thursday lost 1-3 to Germany in their second Group D match at the ongoing 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The match, played at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota, Colombia, saw Nigerian girls unable to keep up with the pace of the German side in the encounter.
The win propelled the Germans to the top of the group with six points from two games, while Nigeria sits in second place with three points following their matchday one win over South Korea.
Germany took the lead in the 17th minute when Sehitler Alara found the back of the net, capitalising on a defensive error by the Nigerian side.
In spite of struggling to impose themselves in the first half, the Falconets came out stronger in the second half and leveled the scoreline in the 50th minute through Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
However, Germany responded swiftly, with Sofie Zdebel giving the Germans the lead in the 61st minute with a precise finish.
Nigeria pressed forward in search of an equaliser, but their hopes were dashed when Sarah Ernst scored Germany’s third goal, sealing the win for the three-time champions.
The result means Germany maintains a perfect record with two wins from two matches, while Nigeria now faces a more challenging path to qualification for the Round of 16.
