A Francisca Ordega hat-trick saw Nigeria cruise into the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 victory over Italy to top Group B.
Italy required victory by at least two goals to progress following their early draw against Brazil and defeat against Korea Republic.
Nigeria, on the other hand, went into the match holding a one-point advantage at the top of Group B and knowing victory would assure progression as group winners.
Two goals in each half saw Nigeria to a comfortable victory in Kobe with Italy's fate rarely in doubt once Ordega opened the scoring midway through the first half.
Ordega doubled the advantage just prior to the interval, before completing her treble just two minutes into the second stanza.
The second goal was perhaps the most notable, with Ordega finishing a neat counter-attack after Esther Sunday played the final pass.
Substitute Osarenoma Igbinovia iced the cake with a fourth a few minutes from full time as Nigeria booked a quarter-final berth.
"Nothing has changed between 2010 and 2012, except that all the girls who were already there have worked hard and improved," said Nigeria coach Okon Edwin.
"We always come to the World Cup to win it. We were close in 2010. We still aim for the final, and this time, we just hope that the result will be different."
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Ex-AUN Provost, Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba Loses Three Children in Devastating Car Crash
"Why Was I Held Hostage?" — VeryDarkMan Blasts GTBank Over EFCC Arrest Ordeal (Video)
Football Star, Lionel Messi-Marriage Rumours Stir Online Frenzy As Divorce Speculations Grow
El-Rufai & Peter Obi Meet at Cambridge Conference, Sparking Political Speculation Ahead Of 2027 Elections
"How My Mother’s Lover Rap3d Me" — 12 Year Old Victim Narrates Ordeal