Germany Eliminates Nigeria

T. James

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria were eliminated from World Cup after losing 3 – 0 to the German Women’s national side. Nigeria was hoping advance to the quarter-finals of a FIFA Women’s World Cup only for the second time in their eight appearances. The German women had a mission of their own, however, and executed their plan well, scoring two first-half goals and adding one more in the second half to secure the shutout victory.

Forward, Alexandra Popp, made her 100th international appearance for Germany one to remember by heading her team ahead from a corner-kick in the 20th minute.

The lead was doubled in the 27th minute when Sara Däbritz converted a VAR-confirmed penalty, which had been awarded by Japanese referee, Yoshimi Yamashita, when Evelyn Nwabuoku’s awkward attempt at a clearance resulted in a foul on Lina Magull. Däbritz placed the ball perfectly in the bottom right corner, just beyond the reach of a diving Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Arguably Nigeria’s best chance of the game came minutes into the second half when substitute, Rasheedat Ajibade, made a beautiful run on the left into Germany’s before releasing a pass across goal. Unfortunately, the pass was just beyond the reach of a lunging captain Desire Oparanozie next the German goalkeeper, Almuth Schult’s far post.

The Germany women successfully contained the Nigerian women, while making occasional forward forays of their own in search of a third goal. That third goal arrived in the 82nd minute when Lea Schüller pounced on an errant backwards pass and fired low into the bottom left corner.

Germany now await the winners of the game between Sweden and Canada in the quarter-finals.

As for Nigeria, even though the Super Falcons’ ouster from the World Cup comes as a disappointment, the team and their fans can find encouragement in Nigeria’s showing at this year’s event. It is worth noting that the Nigerian women advanced past group play a FIFA Women’s World Cup only for the second time in team history. Nigeria can also take pride in having one of the stars of the women’s game, Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala on their squad. Oshoala’s goals tally of one at this World Cup does not do justice to the striker’s talents. The quality of her goal against South Korea should remind everyone of just how skillful a striker she truly is.

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