Nigeria’s Flamingos won the bronze medal match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India after a thrilling encounter against Germany ended with the Nigerians claiming a 3-2 penalty shootout win. The Flamingos became the first Nigerian side to win a medal at the age-grade tournament, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
Having lost on penalties to Colombia in the semifinals rather disappointingly, the Nigerians had a second chance in the third-place playoff. They were up against the German side that defeated them 2-1 in their opener in Goa.
The Nigerian girls began the game on the front foot with Amina Bello trying a long range effort in the 4th minute, but was saved by Germany’s goalkeeper Eve.Boettcher.
Within a minute, Steiner opened the scoring for the Germans but a VAR intervention saw the goal chalked off due to a foul on Faith Omilana.
The Germans continued their domination but a resilient Nigerian defense was able to withstand the pressure.
Opeyemi Ajakaye broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a brilliant finish that was assisted by Chidera Okenwa.
Two minutes later Amina Bello almost doubled the lead for Nigeria.
In the 43rd minute Comfort Folorunsho was replaced by Blessing Sunday due to nasty injury she suffered.
Three minutes after the blast of the second half whistle, Amina Bello extended Nigeria’s lead with a header.
Miracle Usani whipped in a brilliant cross from the corner and it was converted into a goal by the head of Bello.
Bankole Olowookere then brought on Etim Edidiong as a replacement for Chidera Okenwa in the 59th minute.
Four minutes after coming in as a substitute, Edidiong scored the third for Nigeria.
The Germans then pulled one back through Jella Viet in the 73rd minute.
Platiner Paulina found the back of the net in the 88th minute to reduce the deficit for Europeans and in the 90th minute, Loreen Bender completed the comeback for Germany.
The game ended 3-3 after ninety minutes of play.
