Kim Kyong Hwa scored a first-half goal as North Korea beat Nigeria 1-0 to jump to the lead of Group F in the women’s Olympic football tournament.

Wednesday’s victory put the North Koreans atop the group after title contenders Germany and Brazil drew 0-0 in the first match of the day at Shenyang Olympic Stadium.

Kyong Hwa scored the winner with a powerful shot from near the penalty spot in the 27th minute after the Nigerian defense failed to clear a cross inside the area.

The North Koreans had a chance to add to the lead with a penalty kick in the 43rd, but captain Ri Kum Suk’s shot from the spot missed wide. She had been pulled down inside the area by a Nigerian defender to prompt the penalty.