Coach Bala Nkiyu's side produced an all-round impressive performance to take-over leadership of group,ensuring that they got the needed victory over Mexico which guaranteed top spot.
The two sides went into the contest effectively battling to win the group after both securing a last eight place after their first two games.
Nigeria were immediately out of blocks in impressive fashion taking a dominant 2-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes.
Ajibade opened scoring with a cool finish off a loose ball in the 12 minute after Mexican goalkeeper Emily Alvarado could only parry a low cross into her path.
The lead was soon doubled four minutes later through Kanu. She nodded in a cross from Yakubu who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area of the Mexicans.
However, Mexico almost pulled a goal back as Jacqueline Crowther struck the post with a tongue-tied effort after Nigeria goalkeeper had been caught out of position.
Man of the match Yakubu got the third and final goal for Nikyu’s side in the 58th minute after heading home a well tailored cross from Kanu on the right hand side of the north Americans’ backline.
Nigeria will play Spain in the quarter final of the competition billed for Friday March 28, 2014 at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceno, Liberia. The Spaniards trounced Paraguay 7-1 in their last group game with Falcon Andrea and Garcia Nahikari getting a brace.
No comments:
Post a Comment