Nigeria’s Flamingos have reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after defeating Mexico 2-1 of their Round of 16 encounter in Rabat on Thursday.
The victory units up a quarter-final conflict with Venezuela on Sunday, after the South American facet edged Germany of their Round of 16 match on Wednesday.
The Flamingos started the encounter on the entrance foot, urgent Mexico as their opponents made early makes an attempt via Citlalli Reyes and Natalia Perez within the fourth and seventh minutes.
Nigeria responded with efforts from Kanyinsola Yusuf and Mary Dunstan within the twenty ninth and thirtieth minutes.
The breakthrough got here within the fortieth minute when Oluebube Umejiaku produced a solo effort, taking the ball via three defenders earlier than slotting it previous Mexican goalkeeper Lopez.
Nigeria went into the break with the benefit, having dominated the primary half and created alternatives.
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 within the first half.
Mary Dunstan doubled Nigeria’s lead within the 71st minute, ending from shut vary to attain her first purpose of the match.
Mexico continued to push for a response and finally discovered the web within the tenth minute of added time within the second half.
Camila Campos fired previous Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Jane Ijirigho, to scale back the deficit and arrange a tense end.
However, the Flamingos held on to their benefit to safe victory and e-book their place within the final eight.
Nigeria will now face Venezuela on Sunday for a spot within the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, pledged N2 million to the group following the victory.
The NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, additionally pledged N1 million in recognition of the Flamingos’ achievement.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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