By Remilekun Awokoya
Nigeria’s Flamingos have exited the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup, suffering a 2-0 loss to the United States in their quarter-final clash on Saturday.
The Flamingos had shown strong form, winning all three group stage matches, but faltered in the face of a resurgent American side.
Notably, two years ago, the Flamingos ousted the U.S. at the same tournament’s quarter-final stage via penalties, but this time, the Americans claimed their revenge in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
The game took a turn in the 40th minute when VAR confirmed a penalty for the U.S. after Moshood’s tackle on an American forward. Kennedy coolly converted the spot-kick in the 43rd minute, putting the U.S. ahead 1-0.
Nigeria nearly equalised in the 64th minute when Captain Afolabi capitalised on a defensive error, but her attempt was thwarted by the American keeper.
Moments later, Uzoma pulled off a spectacular save to deny the Americans, only for an offside call to nullify the chance.
The U.S. doubled their lead in the 73rd minute, securing their path to the semi-finals and ending Nigeria’s journey in the tournament.