By Sulaimon Jamiu
The Falconets of Nigeria have been sent packing out of the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
Nigeria won all three of their group games, including an opening-day shocker, against France.
The Nigerian side was handed a quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands, who finished second in their group.
Nigeria were pegged back early in the game, as an eighth-minute goal from Zera Hilswit gave the Dutch ladies the lead.
The Falconets tried to pull one back after falling behind, but they were unlucky, as strikes from Abiodun Deborah, Mercy Idoko, and Flourish Chioma failed to beat the Dutch goalkeeper.
Unfortunately, Ziva Henry capitalised on a mistake from the Nigerian defense and scored for the Netherlands in the 33rd minute to make it 2-0.
Nigeria kept pushing to get back into the game, but all their efforts amounted to naught. The Falconets thought they were given a lifeline when the referee awarded them a penalty in stoppage time.
However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review. The Dutch team held on to ensure they ran out with a 2-0 victory.
