Flamingos beat #U17WYNT on penalties to book historic #U17WWC semifinal spot

Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s national team have booked a place in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating US 17 Women Youth National Team in the quarterfinals.

Flamingos who have failed the quarterfinal hurdles at the competition after three attempts went into this game as the underdogs.

But gave everything to come out top after 90 minutes of action and penalty shoutouts.

The Americans were at the forefront at the start of the game, dominating possession and hitting Nigerian defenders and goalkeepers repeatedly.

They only had corners to show for their press as Flamingos’ defenders and goalie were called into action repeatedly.

Despite being under intense pressure through the opening exchanges, it was Nigeria who took the lead.

Flamingos awarded a penalty after impressive Amina Bellow was adjudged to have been found in the area.

Edafe Omamuso stepped up and converted the penalty to give Nigeria the lead in the 26th minute of the game.

USA continued to pile pressure on Nigeria and their pressure was rewarded in the 40th minute, when American player of Nigerian descent, Onyeka weaved through Flamingo defenders to tee up Villarreal who scored.

The second half continued as the first half ended with the Americans pilling pressure upon pressure on Flamingos.

At full-time, it ended 1-1 and we headed for penalties where Nigeria won 4-3.

Edidiong Etim, Immaculata Offiong, Miracle Usani, and Omamuzo Edafe scored for Nigeria while defender Comfort Folorunsho missed. Her miss did not matter as Emri blew her kick wide and substitute goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku saved from Bhuta to give Nigeria the day.

The Flamingos will now play in their first-ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup semi-finals against the winner of the encounter between Colombia and Tanzania.