Esther Onyenezide walked away with the Player of the match award in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory against Canada at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Onyenezide netted a brace, both from the penalty spot in minutes 24′ and 32′ as Nigeria fought back from a goal down against the bottom placed team.
Canada had lost the two previous group C games against Korea Republic and France, but stunned the group leaders after just two minutes.
Kaila Novak dispossessed the Nigerian goalkeeper, as she attempted to pass out from the back.
However, the Falconets responded and before the end of the half, they had turned the game around.
First a penalty was awarded for hand ball, then the second penalty was awarded after center Referee Lara Lee consulted VAR over a high footed challenge by defender Mia Pante – she was booked too.
Both penalties were converted by Onyenezide, who dispatched them expertly to take her goal tally in the tournament to 3 goals – only one behind Spain’s Inam Gabarro.
The midfielder has become Nigeria’s most important player and will be crucial to the team’s progress as the competition progresses.
