Nigeria’s Falconets defeated France 1-0 in their opening Group C game at the U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Friday morning.
Flourish Sabastine scored the decisive goal five minutes from time.
Both teams battled hard in the opening exchanges, with France carving out the first real chance on 10 minutes through captain Laurina Fraiser.
The game was stopped in the 20th minute by centre-referee Francia Gonzalez due to heavy rain.
France troubled the Falconets defence for the remainder of the first half but were let down by their poor marksmanship.
In the 54th minute, Esther Onyenezide tried a long range left foot shot but it was well saved by the French keeper.
Falconets had a big chance on 58 minutes through Mercy Idoko, but she was denied by France keeper.
France had a goal chalked off for offside nine minutes from time after the referee consulted VAR.
Sabastine fired home the winning goal five minutes from time after she teed up a delightful pass from Mercy Idoko.
Chris Danjuma’s side will take on Korea Republic in their next Group C game on Sunday night.
