The Americans were favorites going into the tie, but the Flamingos showed great zeal to seal a spot in the next round
Nigeria’s Under-17 female team, the Flamingos reached the semifinals of the World Cup for the first time after they beat USA 4-3 in penalties.
After beating Chile in their final group game, the Flamingos got a date with the United States of America in the quarterfinals at the DY Patil Stadium.
The Americans were favorites going into the tie considering their pedigree in female football. However, Nigeria had other ideas.
The Flamingos won a penalty in the 27th minute after a foul on Amina Bello inside the box by an American player. Omamuzo Edafe was on hand to dispatch the spot kick brilliantly to put Nigeria in front.
Unfortunately, their lead did not last. The Americans poured forward in search of an equalizer, and they got it in the 40th minute after a deflected strike from Amalica Villarreal.
The second half was a very long one for the Flamingos, as it was waves of endless attacks from the Americans.
Still, coach Bankole Olowookere’s girls held on to push it to penalty shootouts after full-time.
Nigeria’s Goalkeeper Linda made two saves, and Nigeria missed only one to ensure it ended 4-3 in the Flamingos’ favor.
The Flamingos will slug it out with Colombia in the semifinals of the Under-17 World Cup for the first time ever.
