A hat-trick from Francisca Ordega gave Nigeria a deserving 4-0 victory over Italy, to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup going on in Japan.
The team’s media Officer, Ejiro Femi-Babafemi, said in a statement that the forward scored for her side in the 22nd, 40th and 47th minutes, while substitute, Osarenoma Igbinovia, added the fourth in the 86th minute.
The win, it said, gave Nigeria the maximum three points, with the Falconets having seven points to lead Group B.
The player, who is featuring in her third World Cup finals, was replaced by Ebere Orji in the 82nd minute.
It quoted her as saying that, “the first goal, l dedicate to the Almighty God; the second to my mother and the third to my younger brother.
“It is amazing when you score three goals in a single game. I must thank my colleagues for their support.”
The statement said that a Nigerian fan resident in Japan has promised the player an IPAD for her performance.
“I will bring it with me on Thursday,” it quoted the fan, Stanley Okafor, as saying.
It said that Okafor had given the team 800 dollars for the victory as he pledged after its second match against Brazil last Wednesday.
Nigeria will face Mexico, who defeated New Zealand with the same margin, on Thursday in Tokyo.
On his part, Falconets’ Chief Coach, Edwin Okon, has praised his girls for the good performance.
“My girls were the better side and l must commend them. Our focus is on our next match, which is crucial, if we want to remain in the competition,” it also quoted Okon as saying. (NAN)