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Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, kept their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign underway in Morocco with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their Group B encounter on Tuesday night in Rabat.
The 2022 World Cup bronze medalists started the game with real intent, pressing high and creating early problems for the Puerto Rican defense. It was a lively opening from both sides, but the Flamingos soon took control with their quick movement and direct forward play.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when in-form striker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi brilliantly finished off a Queen Joseph assist to put Nigeria up 1-0. That goal calmed the Nigerians and gave them the confidence to dominate possession for most of the first half.
In the second half, the Flamencos continued to press for another goal. Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favor Nkwocha came close, while Puerto Rico also tried to find a way back into the game with a couple of changes. Coach Hakeem Busari responded by introducing Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute to add more energy and bite in attack.
The pressure finally paid off in the 90th minute, as Nigeria scored the second goal when substitute Precious Oscar headed in Kemi Adegbuyi’s cross to seal the match at 2-0. The team showed great maturity by holding on for six minutes of stoppage time and getting the three points. The victory is a big boost for the Flemings, as North Korea defeated Poland 6-1 in the other Group B match. The high scoring deficit against the Poles is an advantage for the Flemings heading into Friday’s Group B match against the Koreans.
