Nigeria’s U-17 Flamingos are through to the quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after defeating Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé.
El Tri of Mexico had the upper hand in the first few minutes of the encounter when Citlalli Reyes was through on goal, but her 6th-minute effort was saved by Jane Ijirigho.
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Subscribe FreeThe West African side had their first big chance when Kemi’s shot narrowly missed the target.
Umejiaku Breaks The Deadlock
Coach Hakeem Busari’s ladies eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute through Oluebube Umejiaku after clumsy defending from the Mexican girls. A weak clearance found the striker, who dribbled her way into the box and put the ball past goalkeeper Ania López.
The Mexicans almost equalised five minutes later, but their shot was tipped out by Jane Ijirigho for a corner in the 45th minute as the opening half ended 1-0 in Nigeria’s favour.
Dunstan Doubles The Lead
Nigeria doubled the lead after Mary Dunstan’s well-placed strike found the back of the net in the 71st minute.
Precious Oscar laid the ball for Queen Joseph, who put a swinging cross into the box, but it was parried by the Mexican goalkeeper. The ball landed in front of Mary, who carefully picked her spot and placed it in the net.
Meanwhile, a long-range shot from Mexico was punched onto the crossbar by Jane Ijirigho, preventing the North American side from getting a lifeline in the 87th minute.
However, El Tri eventually got a late consolation goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time through Emily Delgado.
Up Next: Quarter-Final Clash With Venezuela
Having overcome El Tri’s challenge, the Flamingos will face Venezuela in the quarter-final round on Sunday.
The Venezuelans aren’t pushovers following their shocking 1-0 victory over the German ladies, who won all their group matches. Diana Bravo’s early goal on Wednesday, October 28, was enough to knock the Europeans out.
Coach Hakeem Busari will charge his girls to put this victory behind them and focus on the crunch tie against Venezuela.
The quarter-final clash is scheduled for Sunday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex (Pitch 4) in Salé, with kick-off at 7pm Nigerian time.
