By Akinwale Kasali
Two second half goals from Germany Under-17 Female midfielders, Svea Stoltd and Mara Alber cancelled out Miracle Usani’s first half free kick to give the European Champions a 2-1 victory over the Flamingoes of Nigeria at the FIFA Under-17 Female World Cup in India.
The Flamingoes had taken the lead in the 30th minute of the encounter courtesy of a superb taken Freekick by the Nigerian right back.
On resumption of the second half, the Germans gathered momentum and fired from all cylinders to get the much needed three points.
Prior to the match, Flamingoes Coach, Bankole Olowookere had boasted that his Girls were battle ready for an opposition, sadly, his threat never metamorphosed to victory.
He had assured Nigerians on Monday that his girls know what they are up against at the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium on Tuesday. “We are excited to be starting the tournament by playing against one of the strongest women teams in the universe. It is a good challenge because if you’re going to win trophies, you must beat the best teams.
“Our focus is on getting the three points at stake, which will boost our confidence for the remaining games of the group phase and going forward in the competition.”
The Flamingoes started the game in a 4-4-2 formation, with Faith Omilana starting in goal. Comfort Folorunso, Miracle Usani, Olamide Oyinlola and Tunmininu Adeshina started in the defense.
Mary Aderemi, Blessing Emmanuel, Edidiong Etim and Taiwo Afolabi started in the midfield, while Captain, Alvine Dah-Zossu and Opeyemi Ajakaye started upfront.
From the start of the match, the Germans outplayed the Nigerians with their height, physique and composure, but weren’t able to beat Omilana in goal who made three brilliant saves in the first half.
With this victory, the Flamingoes need to defeat New Zealand and Chile in their remaining two matches to book a place in the next round of the competition.
In the other Group match, Chile defeated New Zealand 3-1 to go top of the Group, with Germany in second position.
On Friday 14th October, 2022, the Flamingoes will face New Zealand, aiming to get the needed Three point to keep its dream alive.
Nigeria has never won the competition which is in its Seventh edition, with Nigeria’s best outing at the tournament been the Quarter Final stages.
