The Falconets, Nigeria's Under-20 Women's national team, defeated Canada 3-1 to take the top spot in Group C.
Additionally, during their participation in the FIFA Under 20 Women's World Cup, they achieved three group stage victories for the first time.
The Falconets understood that regardless of the result of France versus South Korea, a draw would be enough to conclude the group stage in first place after winning their initial two matches against France and South Korea by the odd goal.
The Falconets, who were competing at the same stadium where they defeated South Korea 1-0 in their second game, let up their first goal of the competition as early as the second minute after goalie Omini Oyono made a mistake that allowed Canadian Kaila Lillyanna Novak to score. A basic back pass from defender Jumoke Alani was destroyed by her.
Midfielder Esther Onyenezide, whose fierce curling strike against Korea Republic late in the game secured all three points and advanced the Falconets into the round of eight on Monday morning, converted a penalty kick in the 24th minute to tie the score. Following a Blessing Okpe shot within the box, defender Mia Pante handled the ball.
Deborah Abiodun, who missed the match against the Koreans, was back for the Falconets, who also had Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, who started for the first time in the tournament, seem calm and certain in the centre. In the fifteenth minute, her forceful header from a Blessing Okpe cross nearly missed.
In the 32nd minute, Onyenezide gave Nigeria the lead from the penalty spot after Simi Awujo had been penalised for reckless play on Mercy Idoko as the latter attempted to head in a Rofiat Imuran inswinger. In the previous two games, it was her third goal of the match.
In the added time of first period, Idoko came close to scoring her first goal of the tournament, but her touch from another Imuran inswinger kissed the upright.
In the second half, the Falconets added pace and brilliant use of space to their game, and it was no surprise when Imuran, again with a visionary cross, set up substitute Chioma Olise for Nigeria’s third goal.
Their imperial campaign in the group stage earns the Falconets a quarter-final date with The Netherlands in Alajuela by 1am on Monday (Nigeria time).
The Falconets will hope to qualify for the semi-final for the fourth time in their participation in the competition after doing so successfully in 2010, 2012 and 2014 with their best being their final appearances in 2010 and 2014 in Germany and Canada respectively.