Opening stalemate for Nigeria, Mexico at U-20 World Cup
Mexico gained a small dose of revenge for their 2012 elimination against Nigeria by holding the African powerhouse to a 1-1 draw in their Canada U-20 2014 World Cup opener.
The two teams shared a goal apiece in the first half in what proved an entertaining affair in Moncton.
Nigeria displayed their trademark speed and strength from the outset, and Asisat Oshoala had a glorious chance to break the deadlock when she latched onto a long ball, but her clipped shot over the advancing goalkeeper narrowly cleared the crossbar.
However, Mexico soon settled and it was they who opened the scoring. Fabiola Ibarra slotted home from 20 metres after an inadequate headed clearance from Nigeria goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii as she attempted to nullify a swift counter-attack.
At the other end Mexico’s senior national team goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago needed to use all her experience to keep out Loveth Ayila’s angled shot with an impressive save.
Nigeria, however, would not be denied and they drew level three minutes before the interval. Osarenoma Igbinovia made the most of a defensive error to expertly fire the ball from distance high into the corner of Santiago’s goal.
Nigeria, having defeated El Tri 1-0 in the Japan 2012 quarter-final, again looked likely to inflict further pain on their rivals creating numerous chances in the second half.
Oshoala was the main attacking outlet for Nigeria, firstly being denied by the busy Santiago with a smart block, before setting up Courtney Dike who narrowly failed to arrive in time to convert a glorious opening.
Ugo Njoku’s header from a perfect Ayila corner went narrowly wide before Mexico’s best chance of the second half arrived with 15 minutes remaining. The impressive Tania Samarzich dribbled past two opponents, only to fire wide when faced with the target.
The livewire Oshoala then did likewise in the dying minutes but blazed over with only Santiago to beat.
The result leaves Group C finely poised after England and Korea Republic played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the evening.
Credit: fifa.com
