By Akinwale Kasali
The Flamingos of Nigeria are history makers.
No one gave them a chance. Even the star gazers could not have predicted that an African country would make it to the final of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
But the Flamingos of Nigeria proved bookmakers wrong. They have written their names in the history book.
After years of knocking on the door, the Flamingos have finally broken through to the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following a brilliant 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-final on Wednesday night at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat.
It was a game that started with tension. Both teams knew what was at stake – a place in the final against Japan who were already waiting.
Nigeria started brightly, with Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Oluebube Umejiaku both trying their luck early, and Queen Joseph coming very close in the 21st minute, only to be denied by a big save from the Brazilian goalkeeper.
At half-time, despite all the chances, it was still 0-0, and the pressure kept growing on the Nigerian bench.
But the second half was a different story. Just eleven minutes after the restart, Queen Joseph finally got the goal Nigeria deserved.
She found the back of the net and celebrated with that famous SUIII, sending the Nigerian supporters in Rabat into wild jubilation.
The star of the night, no doubt, was midfielder Awawu Bashiru.
In the 71st minute, she produced a beautiful finish to make it 2-0, and before Brazil could even recover, she struck again in the 80th minute to make it 3-0.
Two goals in nine minutes against a Brazilian team was not only surprising, but it further demystified the South American nation and the football world at large.
At that point, even the Brazilian fans knew the game was gone.
Nigeria had recorded 30 attempts in the game, which simply underscored how well the Flamingos dominated.
Brazil managed to pull one back late through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but it was too little, too late.
The final whistle confirmed what every Nigerian had been praying for – to see the Flamingos in the World Cup final.
This is no doubt history in the making, given that the team’s best effort before now was a third-place finish in India four years ago.
Now, all eyes turn to the final against Japan, who eliminated defending champions North Korea after a penalty shootout in the first semi final on Wednesday.
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