Flamingos break the quarterfinal jinx after setting a new record with a 5-4 win over the United State of America via penalties and advanced to the semifinal of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
The Americans were favorites going into the tie, but the Flamingos showed great zeal to seal a spot in the next round.
Nigeria got its first chance at the game. Tumininu Adeshina’s well-swung cross was met by the head of Opeyemi Ajakaye who couldn’t control the ball home.
Bankole Olowokoore-tutored girls take the lead via Omamuzo Edafe confidently dispatched the penalty kick in the 26th minute after Amina Bello was fouled in the box by Ella Sanchez.
USA successfully pulled one back against Nigeria to make it 1-1 in the 40th minute after Comfort Fólórunsó deflected Amalla Villarreal’s close-range attempt.
Faith Omilana made a crucial stop. Gamero’s attempt was deflected by the lanky goalkeeper.
Oyinlola struck a direct shot into the arms of the American goalkeeper in the 71st minute from a distance.
Usani made a timely goal line clearing with four minutes remaining in regular time to keep the Flamingos in the contest.
After five rounds of kicks in the penalty shootout, Nigeria defeated the USA 4-3, with Edafe hitting the game-winning penalty.
Nigeria will face either Tanzania or Colombia in the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
