Nigeria’s Flamingos have defeated Germany to clinch a consolatory bronze medal in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India.
The match ended in a 3-3 draw at regulation time which resulted in a penalty shootout. The penalty then ended 3-2 in Nigeria’s favour.
In the first half, Nigeria’s forward, Opeyemi Ajakaye broke her goal drought with her brilliant opener for the Flamingos.
It was the dice of their triumph against USA in the quarter-finals that Nigeria picked, rejecting the losing dice against Colombia in the semi-final. Substitutes Blessing Sunday and Edidiong Etim, and Player-of-the-Match Opeyemi Ajakaye scored from the spot for Nigeria. Defender Tumininu Adeshina missed but it did not matter as Pauliner Bartz missed a crucial kick for Germany.
Victory made it a joyous Sunday for Nigeria, and history-making 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.”
President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who has been with the team in India since the quarter-final stage, was delighted with the triumph.
“This is a victory for the Government and good people of Nigeria. The girls and their technical and administrative crew did very well to win something from this tournament and give Nigeria joy. I commend their determination and commitment to a noble goal,” he said.
Meanwhile, the victorious Flamingos will fly back into Nigeria at noon on Tuesday.
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