Gallant Falconets bows out of FIFA U20 Women's World Cup.

Nigeria's U20 girls have been eliminated from the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica after a 2-nil defeat in the hands of Netherlands in the quarterfinal.

Having raised the hopes of Africans and Nigerians in particular with great performance at the group stage with maximum nine points in three group matches, the Falconets failed to proceed to the semifinal with shock defeat to Netherlands.

The Christopher Danjuma led girls conceded two first half goals which were as much as they've conceded in the tournament thus far.

Although, the goals could have been avoided but a poor defending from the Nigerian defence gifted the Netherlands the two goals that confirmed Nigeria's ouster.

Netherlands raced to an early lead in the twelveth minute when a cross into Nigeria's box, which captain, Oluwatosin Dimehin couldn't clear out ideally.

Dimehin's clearance was in turn chested by Zera Hilswit who then fired an effort past goalkeeper, Monie Oyono.

The Falconets pushed for an equalzer after conceding the opener and had much of their efforts saved my the Dutch goalkeeper.

However, Nigeria's biggest opportunity to get a goal from the match came in the twenty-ninth minute when Deborah Abiodun's long range shot hit the woodwork and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu's effort to head home the resulting rebound was frustrated again by Lisan Alkemade.

Holland's second goal came around in the thirty-third minute off Ziva Henry. A square play from a counter attack again found Dimehin making a very soft clearance which put the ball in a better position for Henry to strike.

The 18-year old wasted no time in dispatching Oyono, who was hit by the ball before rolling under her arm into the net.

Despite losing two nil, Falconets were still pushing hard to find a consolation goal as Flourish makes superb run into the area but her weak effort couldn't hurt the Netherlands keeper

A couple of changes were made in the second half by Danjuma to ensure that Nigeria get something out of the tie but the changes made little or no difference as the status quo remained till the final whistle. 

Credit : Babajide EverBlazin