U-17 WWC: NIGERIA DEFEATS GERMANY TO WIN THE BRONZE MEDA
The Flamingos of Nigeria have won their first-ever FIFA World Cup bronze medal after winning the third-place match of the just concluded U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.
This feat was achieved on Sunday, October 30 after a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Germany following a 3-3 draw in Mumbai, India.
Nigeria took the lead in the 21st minute with a goal from Opeyemi Ajakaye. The first half ended with a goal to nil in the Flamingos’ favour.
The second half started well for the Flamingos after a goal from Aminat Omowunmi Bello who headed the ball into the net following a corner kick from defender Miracle Usani in the 48th minute.
It was soon 3-0, as Edidiong Etim, only four minutes on the pitch in place of Okenwa scored another goal in the 63rd minute.
However, the Germans fought back gamely and reduced the scoreline in the 73rd minute when Veit Jella pulled one back. Paulina Platiner made it 3-2 with five minutes to stoppage time and on the dot of 90 minutes, Loreen Bender scored the third goal and tied the scoreline to compel a third penalty shootout for the Flamingos in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Going into the penalty shootout substitutes Blessing Sunday and Edidiong Etim and Player-of-the-Match Opeyemi Ajakaye scored from the spot for Nigeria.
The Flamingos’ defender Tumininu Adeshina missed but it did not matter as Pauliner Bartz also missed a crucial kick for Germany.
The victory made it a joyous Sunday for Nigeria, and Coach Bankole Olowookere said: “I am a very happy man that we did not leave India empty-handed. It has been a great tournament with a lot of lessons learnt. We give God the glory.”
Following the victory, Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa promised the Nigeria U-17 Women’s team a sum of 3 million naira when they land in Abuja.
Congratulations to the Nigeria U-17 Women’s team. Thanks for making Nigeria proud.
Nice one Congratulations to Nigeria