FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Superb Flamingos seal quarterfinal spot after brilliant win over Chile

The Flamingos started the tournament on the wrong foot, but they have picked themselves up and shown great quality 

Nigeria’s Under-17 Female team Flamingos have sealed a spot in the quarterfinals of the India 2022 Under-17 Women’s World Cup after they beat Chile in their final group B game.

The Flamingos lost 2-1 to Germany in their opening game of the World Cup. However, they redeemed themselves in their second game, beating New Zealand 4-0.

Meanwhile, their opponents Chile suffered a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Germany in their second group game. Nigeria needed just a draw against Chile at the Kalinga Stadium to seal a spot in the next round.

The Flamingos wasted no time in showing their authority, as Blessing Emmanuel opened the scoring in the 4th minute to make it 1-0 for Nigeria.

Nigeria did not rest on their oars after scoring. They continued to pile up the pressure, but they failed to score before the break.

Opeyem Ajakaye had a great game, and she could have scored in the second half, but her shot only managed to clip the bar.

Nonetheless, Bisola Mosaku doubled the Flamingos’ lead in the 82nd minute. Unfortunately, the Chileans were handed a lifeline four minutes later after Edafe handled the ball in the box.

Tali won the battle of wills and converted from the spot to make it 2-1. The Chileans pushed hard for more goals in the dying embers, but Coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls held on strong to see out the 2-1 result.

The victory ensures that Nigeria finish second in Group B behind Germany who beat New Zealand 3-1 in their final game.

Nigeria’s Flamingos will take on one of Brazil, USA, or Morocco in the next round.