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| Rebecca Kalu (Right full-back |
They became the first Nigerian women's team to reach the semi-final of any FIFA women's World Cup.
With the USA leading 1-0 and keeper 'Bianca Henninger' dealing comfortably with everything thrown at her, it looked like the end of the road for the ambitious Nigerians. However, with just over ten minutes left on the clock, up stepped Ukaonu to crash a searing drive into the top corner from all of 25 metres. It was to be the beginning of the end of the defending champions.
The Falconets finished the game the stronger and Ebere Orji almost resulted in the winner in the 87th minute but all she got was a corner kick. Mention must be made of referee, Alexandra Ihringova of England, giving too many soft free kicks to the Americans and that must have led to another day of histrionics from James Peters, the Assistant Secretary General (Technical) of the Nigeria Football Federation, who was more visible on the touch line than the coach of the team, Adat Egan. Ihringova then made Esther Sunday retake Nigeria's third penalty kick thrice, and after missing twice Sunday scored on her third attempt.
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