Sports

U-17 WWC: Nigeria’s Flamingos Crash Out After 0-2 Loss To USA

Published

4 weeks ago

Oct 27, 2024.

Dennis

Nigeria’s campaign in this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup concluded on Saturday night as the United States secured a 2-0 win, scoring once in each half to eliminate last year’s bronze medalists in the Dominican Republic.

Coach Bankole Olowookere faced major setbacks as three of his key players sustained injuries within the first half. Forward Blessing Ifitezue was the first to exit, with Peace Effiong stepping in. Left-back Onyedikachi Ekezie also had to be replaced by Rokibat Azeez, while defender Jumai Adebayo was briefly sidelined but continued after medical attention.

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Nigeria’s attack saw top scorer Harmony Chidi struggle to capitalize on set-pieces, sending a free-kick too high in the 9th minute and missing again in the 28th. Goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma made a crucial save, deflecting a strong shot from Mary Long inside the box.

The USA, who were ousted by Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shootout two years ago in India, opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. Fuller converted a penalty awarded after Shakirat Moshood’s foul in the box. Adebayo later made a goal-line clearance, denying the Americans a second just before halftime.

In the 64th minute, Nigerian Captain Taiwo Afolabi intercepted a loose ball, but her shot was blocked, leading to a corner. The USA came close to extending their lead in the 71st minute when Fuller narrowly missed a shot. Three minutes later, the Americans doubled their advantage as Kim Ascanio finished off a well-placed through ball, sliding it through Uzoma’s legs following a foul on Afolabi in midfield.

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