27 January 2019 – Nigeria maintained their dominance over South Africa after thrashing their old-time foes, 6-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City to secure a place in this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Coming into the game with a comfortable 2-0 away cushion, the Falconets put the game beyond reach for Basetsana with a 5-0 lead in the first half before wrapping it up with the final goal in the second stanza to make it 8-0 on aggregate.
It was a day of braces for Nigeria as Nduru Ndidi found opened the scoring for the hosts as early as the 7th minute before wrapping up her brace just before the end of the first half.
Rashidat Ajibade who found the back of the net in South Africa also grabbed a brace with two stunning strikes in the 27th and 30th minute while the hardworking Anam Imo also got her double with a goal apiece in each half to make it 6-0 to Nigeria at home.
The result sees the Nigerians securing their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance at the expense of the South Africans.
Speaking after a disappointing result, Basetsana head coach, Maud Khumalo congratulated Nigeria for a job well done and wished the Falconets the best of luck in France.
“Firstly, congratulations to Nigeria on qualifying for the World Cup and hope that they do well in representing the continent in France. We had a game plan and I think the early first half goals really unsettled us. We bow out of the qualifiers with our heads held high as most of these girls are teenagers who I believe have really done well to reach this stage of the qualifiers. It is very sad to miss out on a spot in the World Cup but we will continue working hard for the improvement of women’s football” said a disappointed Khumalo.
The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup takes place between 5 and 24 August in France this year.