By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos Friday afternoon beat their United States of America (USA) opponents 4-3 on penalty shoot-out in the quarter-final of the ongoing 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.
Scoreline had stood 1-1 at full time and the Nigerian girls triumphed over USA in the penalty shoot-out with all but Edith Folorunsho missing from the spot after USA had missed two kicks.
The Flamingos’ wing-back, Mamuzo Edafe put Nigeria ahead from the spot in the 26′ after a Nigerian attacker was brought down by USA defender right in the edge of the penalty box.
The Americans fought back gallantly by raiding the Nigerian goal area and their efforts paid off when Onyeka Gamero assisted fast-paced Anita Villarreal to score the equaliser in the 40′. The scoreline remained same till the end of the first half.
On resumption, USA threw the kitchen sink on the Nigerians as the Flamingos goalkeeper, Faith Omilana was kept busy but it was a huge relief for the Africans that several mistakes of the goalie did not result to a defeat.
However, the encounter was decided on penalty shoot-out after 90′ and Nigeria triumphed 4-3 by scoring four of her five kicks while the USA lost two kicks through E. Adames and M. Bhuta.
Nigeria’s penalty scorers are E. Etim, E. Offiong, M. Usani and M. Edafe, after retaking her kick while defender Folorunsho lost her kick by sending the ball high off the post.
Nigeria will now meet either Colombia or fellow Africans, Tanzania in the semi final showdown next week.
