FIFA Under-17 World Cup: Flamingos huff and puff, but brilliant Germans emerge victorious

The Flamingos showed some signs of brilliance, but they just fell short in the end

Nigeria’s Under-17 female team the Flamingos fell to a 2-1 loss against Germany in their first game of the 2022 Under-17 World Cup.

The Flamingos were looking to begin their India 2022 FIFA Under-17 World Cup campaign on a high when they took on Germany at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.

Nigeria started on the front foot, and they could have gotten the opener in the 17th minute. Unfortunately, Opeyemi Ajakaye’s wicked strike just managed to clip the woodwork.

Goalkeeper Faith Omilani had a decent start, as her save denied the Germans in the 26th minute.

The Flamingos finally got their breakthrough in the 30th minute. Miracle Usani showed great dexterity, dispatching a beautiful free kick past the German goalkeeper.

Nigeria probed further to get a second before the break, but Germany held on.

The West Europeans came out stronger in the second half, and within 20 minutes, they scored two goals to put themselves in the driver’s seat.

Svea Stold and Alber produced strikes that left Omilani helpless in the Flamingos’ goal.

After conceding, Nigeria pushed for an equalizer, with Adeshina and Miracle getting close. Unfortunately, Germany kept a solid backline and held out for the 2-1 victory.

The result leaves the Flamingos in third place in Group B, behind Chile and Germany. Their next game is on Friday against New Zealand, who fell to a 3-1 defeat against Chile in their first game.