Nigeria’s Falconets crashed out of the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat by Spain in their quarterfinal encounter in France.
The Falconets progressed to the quarterfinal after a draw, loss and win in their three group stage games while Spain finished comfortably in their group after two wins and a draw.
The game started at a high pace with both sides creating chances until the Spanish side seized control of the encounter with their consistent passing of the ball from side to side, working the Falconets up and down the pitch.
Spain earned a two-goal lead before the break, with Guijarro scoring her 5th goal in the tournament after getting on the end of Maite Oroz’s free-kick into the West African side’s box and scoring from close range.
Having struggled to create much in the first half, the Super Falconets responded with a goal just before the hour mark.
Peace Efih’s forward run saw her pick out Rasheedat Ajibabe on the left. Her low shot forced a diving Catalina Coll to direct the ball into the path of an unmarked Efih, who duly converted into an empty Spanish goal.
In the second half, Nigeria were unable to find an equaliser, as Spain saw out the remainder of the contest to reach the last four of the competition for the first time.
