Izuchukwu Okosi
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team the Flamingos on Friday reached the semifinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India with a 4-3 win over USA after penalty shootout reports Prime Business Africa.
The feat was Nigeria’s first semifinals berth in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup while USA had reached the stage in the inaugural edition when Chile hosted in 1998.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and the lottery of the kicks was required to determine who plays either Colombia or Tanzania in the semifinals on Wednesday.
The Nigerian U-17 head coach Bankole Olowookere started same eleven players that defeated Chile 2-1 in their last group game.
The USA had an early chance but the ball was cleared for corner by Blessing Emmanuel who required medical attention for her troubles.
The Flamingos’ first attempt at goal was wide off target as Timuninu Adeshina’s shot under pressure from 35 yards went wide.
The Yankees once again made inroads into the Nigerian penalty area but Riley Jackson’s shot fizzles past goalkeeper Faith Omilana for a goalkick.
With 14 minutes played in the game, Adeshina delivered a good cross into the Americans’ penalty box but Opeyemi Ajakaye’s header from that effort was off target.
Omazumo Edafe scored from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after Amina Bello was brought down in the penalty area which was revised by VAR.
The Yankees equalised through Amalia Villarreal five minutes before the break.
Both sides went for the second goal in the second half but nothing to fruition forcing the contest to penalty shootout.
Comfort Folorunsho was the only Nigerian who missed her kick as Miracle Usani had to retake hers due to USA keeper Valentina Amaral coming off her lines before it was initially taken.
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.
