Nigeria’s Flamingos beat U.S., reach first ever semifinal

The Flamingos celebrate after beating USA to reach the seminfinal of the ongoing India 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup…yesterday

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, The Flamingos, yesterday, proved bookmakers wrong by defeating pre-championship favourite, United States of America, in the quarterfinal of the ongoing India 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flamingos won 4-3 on penalty to reach the semi-final, the first time Nigeria would reach the last four in the competition.

The match had ended 1-1 draw at regulation time.

It was the first quarterfinal match at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, but was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The match was about to begin at 4:30 pm, but a loud clap of thunder during the national anthem of Nigeria forced FIFA to delay the kick-off.

It was tagged a battle of David against Goliath.

Nigeria took the lead in the 27th minute when the Video Assistant Referee adjudged that Aminat Omowunmi Bello had been unfairly hacked in the box as Nigeria launched an onslaught. Right back, Omamuzo Edafe, scored from the spot.

The Americans, seeking a place in the last four for the first time in 14 years, were back on level terms 13 minutes later, after an unlucky Comfort Folorunsho diverted a fierce shot at the edge of the area past goalkeeper Faith Omilana.

Efforts by both teams to get more goals were unsuccessful. The Americans were denied by Nigeria’s stout defending with six minutes left when Miracle Usani heaved the ball away after Omilana, who had been teased out by Gamero Onyeka.

It went straight into penalties after 90 minutes and Edidiong Etim, Immaculata Offiong, Miracle Usani and Omamuzo Edafe scored for Nigeria, while defender Comfort Folorunsho missed as her kick went over the bar.