Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after defeating Mexico 2-1 in their Round of 16 encounter in Rabat on Thursday.
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash with Venezuela on Sunday, after the South American side edged Germany in their Round of 16 match on Wednesday.
The Flamingos began the encounter on the front foot, pressing Mexico as their opponents made early attempts through Citlalli Reyes and Natalia Perez in the fourth and seventh minutes.
Nigeria responded with efforts from Kanyinsola Yusuf and Mary Dunstan in the 29th and 30th minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Oluebube Umejiaku produced a solo effort, taking the ball through three defenders before slotting it past Mexican goalkeeper Lopez.
Nigeria went into the break with the advantage, having dominated the first half and created opportunities.
The Flamingos maintained their momentum after the restart, with Head Coach Hakeem Busari making his first substitution by bringing on Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, who had suffered a knock in the first half.
Mary Dunstan doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 71st minute, finishing from close range to score her first goal of the tournament.
Mexico continued to push for a response and eventually found the net in the 10th minute of added time in the second half.
Camila Campos fired past Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Jane Ijirigho, to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.
However, the Flamingos held on to their advantage to secure victory and book their place in the last eight.
Nigeria will now face Venezuela on Sunday for a place in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, pledged N2 million to the team following the victory.
The NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, also pledged N1 million in recognition of the Flamingos’ achievement.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
