Nigeria’s Falconets suffered a disappointing start to their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign, losing 2-0 to Spain in their opening Group F encounter at the Arena Sosnowiec in Poland on Monday.
Goals from Marisa Garcia and substitute Alba Cerrato in either half handed La Rojita a deserved victory and a perfect start to their tournament.
Spain made a fast start and took the lead in the 13th minute through Garcia, who converted from close range after Nigeria failed to deal with a dangerous low cross into the box.
The early goal further boosted Spain’s confidence as they took control of possession and prevented the Falconets from settling into the game.
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Nigeria’s defence, however, remained resilient and kept Spain from adding to their advantage before the break.
Head coach Moses Aduku responded at half-time with a double substitution as the Falconets searched for an equaliser. Victory Lucky and Precious Oscar were introduced for Tumininu Adeshina and Folajomi Olabiyi.
The changes failed to alter the pattern of the game, with Spain continuing to dominate possession and eventually doubling their lead in the 73rd minute.
Cerrato, who had been on the pitch for just six minutes, capitalised on another defensive error by Nigeria. Spain recovered possession after the Falconets failed to clear their lines before finding the substitute, who beat goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma at her near post.
Aduku immediately made another change, bringing on Chisom Nwachukwu for Favour Nkwocha, but Nigeria could not find a way back into the contest as Spain comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
The defeat leaves the Falconets needing a positive response in their next Group F fixture against China on Thursday.
China made a flying start to their campaign, thrashing World Cup debutants New Caledonia 5-0 in the other group fixture to move top of the standings.
Nigeria will now face China knowing that victory is crucial to their hopes of reaching the knockout stages, while Spain will take on New Caledonia on the same day.
A win for Spain against the tournament debutants would secure their place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
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