Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, claimed their first-ever bronze medal at the just-concluded U-17 Women’s World Cup in India on Sunday, after defeating Germany 3-2 on penalties.
The Flamingos blew a three-goal lead and allowed the Germans back into the game before playing in their third consecutive penalty shoot-out, having played against the United States of America in the quarter-finals before playing Colombia in the semis.
Head coach, Bankole Olowookere, expressed joy that the team finally won the bronze medal and left the tournament with something to show for their efforts.
“I am a very happy man; we did not leave India empty-handed. It has been a great tournament with a lot of lessons learnt. We give God the glory.”
However, it wasn’t a rollercoaster ride for the young girls who made history in India.
The Flamingos began their quest for glory at the 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup in India against Germany in their first match at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao on October 11.
Despite taking the lead 30 minutes into the encounter, they lost 2-1 to the European champions.
Miracle Usani fired Flamingos in front from a free-kick after captain Alvine Dah Zossu was hacked down to put the Flamingos were in the driving seat.
The Germans grabbed the equaliser through Svea Stold in the 50th minute, before claiming the winner 10 minutes into the second half through Mara Alber.
Comeback win versus New Zealand
Knowing that only a win would keep them in the tournament, the Flamingos bounced back in style against New Zealand in their second game of the tournament.
They edged their opponents 4-1 to retain their hope and chances of making it through to the next round. Two goals in either half sealed the win and boosted their chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the competition.
The win came as a big boost as Olowookere’s side knew they needed just a draw against Chile in their last Group B game to advance to the quarter-finals, after Germany drubbed the Chileans 6-0 in the other game.
The Germans ended the group after the two games with maximum six points, while the Flamingos and Chile had three points each but the Nigerians had a superior +3 goals difference against the South Americans’ -4.
Olowookere’s girls reach q’final
Despite needing just a point to book a place in the quarter-finals, the Flamingos defeated Chile 2-1 in the third match of Group B to book their place in the last eight.
Blessing Emmanuel scored an early goal for Flamingos in the fourth minute, following an assist from Ajakaiye Opeyemi to give Nigeria the lead.
Miracle Usani grabbed the second in the 82nd minute to see Nigeria through, despite Rovemer Tali converting a late penalty for Chile.
Up next were favourites USA, the Group A winners, in the last eight at the DY Patil Stadium.
