Preview – Nigeria vs. Germany: Flamingos face stiff European challenge in the hunt for World Cup bronze medal

The West Africans can end their World Cup adventure on a high with a memorable win over Die Nationalelf

The two beaten semifinalists meet in a potentially blockbuster D.Y. Patil Stadium encounter on Sunday afternoon as Nigeria look to tame Germany in the third-place match of the 2022 FIFA u17 Women’s World Cup.

This fixture will be a repeat of the opening Group B match in this tournament when Germany came from behind to hand Nigeria a 2-1 defeat.

The Flamingos, however, grew from strength to strength after that opening-day loss, beating New Zealand and Chile to reach a fourth quarterfinal appearance in seven World Cup showings.

The coach Bankole Olowookere-tutored girls then stunned favourites the United States to reach the semifinals for the first time in history.

But Colombia halted the Nigerian girls’ dreamy run on penalties to dash their hopes of lifting the prestigious trophy.

Germany also had their title hopes crushed in the semifinals by defending champions Spain. After scoring 13 goals in four matches, the Germans failed to find their finishing touch in their 1-0 loss to the Spaniards.

Head to head

The first-ever match between the Nigerians and the Germans at this level was the exciting Group B clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on October 11.

The Flamingos drew first blood through a fierce Miracle Usani free kick in the 30th minute.

But Svea Stoldt dragged Germany back on levelled terms shortly after the halftime break before Mara Alber earned the victory for the reigning European champions with a well-taken strike.

Germany are the firm favourites to repeat that feat on Sunday. But national pride and a chance to claim a first World Cup medal will motivate the Flamingos to step up and upset the odds against the Europeans.

Match details

Competition: FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, India 2022
Stage: Bronze medal match
Match: Germany vs Nigeria
Date: October 30, 2022
Venue: D.Y. Patil Stadium
Kickoff time: 12:00 noon (Nigerian time)