Nigeria’s Falconets overcame a goal deficit to defeat Canada 3-1 in their final Group C game early Thursday, securing the maximum points in the group stage.
The Canadians took the lead in the second minute thanks to a goalkeeping error.
However, it took Nigeria 22 minutes to equalise. Esther Onyenezide scored from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after a Canadian defender handled a goal-bound shot.
Coach Chris Danjuma’s side, who enjoyed much of the possession, continued pressing after the equaliser and were given another penalty with 32 minutes on the clock following a foul on Mercy Idoko. Again, Onyenezide rose up to the challenge and slotted in the Falconets’ second goal of the day and her third strike at the tournament.
While the second half had a much more relaxed atmosphere, Nigeria had chances to seal the game but failed to convert any. Coach Danjuma, who had been barking orders from the technical area, then made three substitutions, including Chioma Olise, at a go with a few minutes left in normal time.
Her introduction paid off immediately. She connected neatly, inside the four minutes added minutes, to Rofiat Imuran’s low cross and beat the Canadian goalkeeper in her near post for the Falconets’ third goal.
The win means Nigeria finished top of the group having beaten France and South Korea by a lone goal each in their previous games. They scored five goals and conceded one in the group stage. The team will play Group D runners-up The Netherlands in the quarter-finals Sunday.
France joined the West Africans for the next stage of the competition following a 1-0 win over South Korea who finished third with three points. Canada had no points and ended bottom of the group standings.