Nigeria’s Flamingos lost their opening match in their campaign at the 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup in India bowing to Germany in a 2-1 loss.
Captain Dah Zossu Alvine was brought down in the 29th minute and 15-year-old Miracle Usani gave Nigeria the lead as she excellently fired the resulting free-kick into the net.
The defender chose to place the ball low which went past the German wall as Nigeria led 1-0 at half-time.
A few minutes after half-time, the Flamingos coach made two changes as Taiwo Afolabi replaced Amina Bello and Bisola Mosaku came in for the captain, Alvine Dah Zossu.
Hamburg forward Svea Stold equalised for Germany in the 49th minute after a nice short corner routine.
Mara Alber scored the winner for the Germans in the 61st minute to claim all three points.
Germany also had two fine chances in the first half as the goalkeeper, Faith Omilana pulled a wonderful save in the 26th minute to keep Nigeria’s lead in the game.
The Flamingos of Nigeria have a storied history at the tournament, appearing in five of the previous six editions except for the last edition and making it to the quarterfinals stage thrice in 2010, 2012, and 2014 while Germany has also never won the tournament.
Nigeria will face New Zealand in their second group fixture on Friday, Oct. 14 while Germany faces Chile.
SOURCE: Vanguard
