By Felix Onojaiyefe
Nigeria’s U-17 ladies’s (Flamingos) kicked off their 2022 U-17 FIFA World Cup campaign on a losing note as they fell to Germany 2-1 on Tuesday.
The Germans took the game to the Flamingos in the opening minutes but were unable to carve out any real scoring opportunity.
Despite the Germans dominance, it was the Flamingos, who came close to scoring the opening goal of the game.
Opeyemi Ajakaye’s fantastic strike from inside the box on 17 minutes hit the woodwork.
Goalkeeper Faith Omilana produced a fine save to deny the Germans from close range on 27 minutes.
Miracle Usani opened the scoring for the Flamingos from a free kick in the 30th minute of the game to give them 1-0 halftime lead.
The Germans resumed the second half with intent and attacking pressure resulting to two goals.
First , it was Svea Stoldt who equalized for the Europeans in the 49th Minute.
In the 61st minute, Hoffnheim forward, Mara Alber gave Germany a deserving second goal which sealed victory for the Europeans.
The Nigerian women pushed for an equaliser however it was not to be as Germany accomplished a comeback win within the opening recreation in India.
Nigeria will face New Zealand on October 14 as Chile and Germany additionally go head-to-head.
