Women's World Cup: Nigeria hero Asisat Oshoala says shock win was team effort

Asisat Oshoala plays her club football for Barcelona and she was Nigeria's hero at the Women's World Cup in a win against South Korea

Published : Jun 13, 2019 13:36 IST

Asisat Oshoala (right) in action for Nigeria on Wednesday.
Asisat Oshoala (right) in action for Nigeria on Wednesday.
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Asisat Oshoala (right) in action for Nigeria on Wednesday.

Nigeria star striker Asisat Oshoala scored a brilliant goal at the Women's World Cup but vowed it was a team effort that earned a surprise 2-0 win over South Korea.

Kim Do-yeon netted a first-half own goal that was followed by a fine effort from Oshoala with 15 minutes remaining, as she sprinted onto a defence-splitting pass and went wide before slotting in from a tight angle.

The Barcelona forward, previously of Arsenal, said: "I always say I'm never under pressure. It's not all about me, it's about the team. If I start putting myself under pressure and then I start tampering with the responsibility of other players... so no pressure, just go out on the pitch, enjoy the game, have fun and do the right thing."

'Let's go for it'

South Korea sits 11th in the FIFA rankings, and Nigeria is down in 38th place, so it was a surprise outcome to many but not to Oshoala. She said: "At some point we told ourselves, 'Let's just go for it, we have nothing to lose'.

"At some point in the beginning of the game we were a little bit scared of going out because we didn't want to concede, but we told ourselves we have to go for it and it's led us to the victory we had today."

REPORT | Nigeria 2 - 0 South Korea

Both teams had lost their opening matches, Nigeria to Norway and South Korea to France. Nigeria will face host France in its final game in Group A, while South Korea will play Norway.

Nigeria coach Thomas Dennerby said: "It was so important to come out with three points. France is a really good team. If we can come out with a point everyone would be extremely happy."

South Korea coach Yoon Deokyeo was sorry for the result. He said: "First of all, to the fans who cheered for us here in the stadium and in Korea I'd like to make an apology because we did not meet their expectations. But I do believe our players have done their best in today's match. We have to accept the result. We have faced some challenges, however I and my players will not give up until the very end.

"Our players had some good chances but the result was a loss."

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