Gallant and spiritual on and off the pitch of play, each player of the Super Falconets of Nigeria are not in anyway less adrift from their faith to be victorious, as they get set for their Quarter-final clash against Spain on Thursday (today).
Falconets booked a spot for the Thursday clash on Monday, with a stoppage-time own goal to earn a highly-dramatic 1-1 draw with China PR in Dinan-Lehon to qualify for the last eight of the 2018 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.
The draw was so dramatic and almost unbelievable. And just after the final whistle, it was all a serious thanksgiving service on the pitch of play cum jubilation for the Falconets for emerging victorious at a time when all hopes were lost to secure the much-needed draw.
The team’s officials and players(on their kneels) spontaneously went on a spirit-filled song anchored hallelujah session obviously to acknowledge that their quarter-final qualification against the China strong side opponent was beyond their making.
China were the more dangerous side in the first half at the Stade du Clos Gastel encounter as they needed a victory to leapfrog the West Africans to the runners-up spot in the group.
Mengyu Shen had the first chance of the match on 25 minutes when she hit the Nigeria crossbar. A few minutes later, captain Linlin Wang headed over the target from close range.
China’s breakthrough came four minutes before half-time, as the diminutive Linyan Zhang turned her Nigerian marker in the box and stroked the ball past a diving Chiamaka Nnadozie to give the Asians the lead at the break
The Super Falconets pushed hard in search of an equaliser in the second half but found the China backline and goalkeeper Huan Xu in resilient form until the end of the contest.
Ajibade became Nigeria’s hero when she turned home Aishat Bello’s cross at the near post. The goal sparked celebrations from the West Africans at the full-time whistle.
Spain finished tops with seven points ahead of Japan, USA,, and Paraguay in Group C. The falconets vs Spain Quarter-finals, at the Stade Guy-Piriou, Concarneau will kick off by 3: pm
