FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup: Jubilations as Flamingos beat the USA to progress to the Semis, makes history [Video Highlight]

Image: Channels TV

It was sheer ecstasy today as the Flamingos beat the United States of America on penalties in the quarterfinals of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India to move to the Semifinals.

It was an afternoon of breaking of jinx. First, this is the first time the Flamingos are progressing to the Semifinals and second, this is the first time a Nigerian ladies’ team will defeat a United States team. In addition, it is also the first time the Flamingos will face the United States in the U-17 female competition. 

Recall that the Flamingos had never made it past the quarterfinals since the competition started. Now they did it in a dramatic way, facing a strong rival - a free-scoring Americans. 

The game started two hours behind schedule due to the bad weather, and the girls had to wait to get the game started. And when it finally got underway, the girls proved themselves a worthy opponent.

Defender Omamuzo Edafe scored the opener for the Flamingos from the spot in the 26th minute. With a goal down, the US team came all out to attack the Nigerian girls. They tried hard, throwing everything at the Flamingos, including the kitchen sink. However, their hard work paid off just before the half-time break, they equalized through Amelo Villarreal.

The second half was all misses, near chances and share wastes. The Nigerian girls defended well, and the US team had the lion’s share of goal attempts but could not convert any. Flamingo forward Opeyemi Ajakaye exhibited a superstar performance again today. 

In the 94th minute, Olowookere made a double substitution with Goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku and Offiong Immaculate duo to replace Faith Omilana and Amina Bello before the match went into penalties to decide which team progresses to the Semis.

In the penalty shootout, Emeri Adames and Etim Eddiong scored the first set, playing in the same direction.

However, Ella Emri suffered another unfortunate fate after her penalty went off target, while Edet Offiong put the Flamingos in front after scoring the second shootout.

Suarez Taylor and Usani scored their set, while Riley Jackson and Comfort Folorunsho lost their respective penalties.

The moment Nigerians were expecting in 14 years came after Edafe scored her penalty to send Nigeria to its first-ever semifinal and a first-time victory over the USA.

The Nigerian girls showed the US that they had not come to play by winning 4-3. 

The Nigerian team would now have their sights set on the final after breaking the semifinal jinx. They will now face either Tanzania or Colombia.

Watch the match highlight courtesy AdemolaVictorTv:





See the Full Penalty:

Source: gazettengr.com/premiumtimesng.com

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