Izuchukwu Okosi
After a spirited performance against the USA U-17 women’s national team, Nigeria’s Flamingos on Friday booked their place in the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2008.
The Nigerian team, coached by Bankole Oloworooke, won 4-3 on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw at full time with the Yankees.
Prime Business Africa looks back at all the issues involved in this important victory, as well as those that made the outcome worthwhile:
1. Quality of Pitch
The game was delayed for close to two hours due to bad weather after thunderstorm claps were heard and heavy downpour followed. It’s an extremely dangerous thing to play football or hold any such event under a bad weather.
2. The Wing Option
The Americans used the wings to cause all manner of problems for the Flamingos.
However the Nigerians’ midfield broke open in the second half as the Americans grew in confidence.
3. USA, Nigeria Physical Battles
Several fouls were committed in the game and it seemed as though that was the only way that Americans could stop the Nigerian girls.
The teams had players who matched up with their physical presence. Amina Bello was injured in the game as a result of the nature of the game, especially in the second half.
4. Flamingos Defended Narrowly
The Nigerian defenders played narrowly in central defence and that seemed to have helped them keep the Americans at bay; but the opposing players still found way to carve out goal scoring chances.
5. Goalkeepers Conundrum
Faith Omilana is the first choice goalkeeper of the Nigerian side but she doesn’t inspire confidence in saving penalties, the reason she was ‘subbed’ off for Chikamso Jiwuka, a better goalie in saving from the spot.
Omilana was ponderous in her ball-handling on Friday.
Jiwuka saved one kick and then saw the other blasted wide off target.
Perhaps, the best idea would be to have a keeper who is better at penalties become new first choice so that outfield players who haven’t played a lot of games may be considered.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
