Nigeria lost their first game to Germany in their first game, but they kept their heads up and sealed an important result against New Zealand
Nigeria’s Under-17 female team the Flamingos demolished New Zealand 4-0 in their second game of the FIFA Under-17 female World Cup.
After losing 2-1 to Germany in their opening game of the tournament, coach Bankole Olowookere and his girls knew that they were condemned to beat New Zealand when they squared off at the Fatorda Stadium in India.
The New Zealanders also lost their opening game against Chile, and they were looking to right their wrongs.
However, the Flamingos proved too hot to handle for the Oceanians. Nigeria took the initiative early in the game.
Amina Bello met Adeshina’s perfect cross and sent a wicked shot into the net to make it 1-0 for Nigeria after 17 minutes.
New Zealand tried to keep the Flamingos out after they fell behind. It was attack upon attack from Nigeria, and in the 34th minute, the Flamingos doubled their lead through Miracle Usani, who scored her second goal of the competition.
The Oceanians defended better in the second half, but they failed to muster much upfront. The Flamingos on the other hand were more deadly and they capitalized on New Zealand’s poor defense.
Goals from Taiwo Tewogbola and substitute Etim Edidiong sealed a 4-0 victory for Nigeria.
The result takes Nigeria to second place, leapfrogging Chile who received a 6-0 drubbing against Germany.
The Flamingos just need a draw in their final group game against Chile to advance to the knockout rounds.
