Germany became the first host nation to lift the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as an early goal from their penalty-box princess, Alexandra Popp, and a late own goal earned them a 2-0 victory over Nigeria’s Flaconets who showed class in defeat.

The early minute goal did not affect their positional play and total confidence on the ball. They even looked better in terms of ball play and basic football runs. What they lacked was the ability to mount pressure on the defence of the opponents as their good play happened mostly in their own half.

They left Germany as the only African team to play in the final of any FIFA Women’s World Cup or the Olympics. They made Nigeria proud and proved that President Goodluck Jonathan was ill-advised to withdraw Nigeria from FIFA events, a decision that was later rescinded. The promotion they earned  Nigeria globally was huge and they return to Nigeria as Africa’s heroines.

 It is the second time Germany have lifted this crown — they were also champions in Thailand in 2004 — and it was fully deserved as they wrapped up their sixth successive victory. While Nigeria were wonderfully spirited and never gave up, the home team should have made it easier for the capacity crowd in Bielefeld with a second goal before finally they put the issue beyond doubt in injury time.