U–17 Women's World Cup: Nigeria defeats Germany

The Flamingos, Nigeria's U-17 women's national team, defeated Germany 3-2 in penalties today to win the bronze medal at the U-17 Women's World Cup in India.

Before the Germans mounted a spectacular comeback late on to level the losers final 3-3, the Flamingos scored first and were up 3-0.

After the game proceeded to penalties, the Flamingos were fortunate this time around after losing to Colombia in the semi-finals by a shootout lottery.

The Flamingos goalie Faith Omilana was fouled in the fifth minute, and the Germans' initial goal was disallowed as a result.

Nigeria took the lead in the 20th minute thanks to a spectacular goal from Flamingos forward Opeyemi Ajakaye, who led all scorers in the African qualifiers.

Just three minutes into the second half, the tenacious Amina Bello scored a spectacular header to double the advantage.

After only four minutes on the field, super sub Edidiong Etim, who replaced Chidera Okenwa in the 59th minute, made it three goals for Nigeria.

The Germans scored two goals in quick succession, the first by Jella Viet in the 73rd minute and the second by Platiner Paulina in the 88th, before Loreen Bender tied the score for the European champions in the 92nd minute to send the game to the lottery of penalties.

Blessing Sunday, Etim, and Player-of-The-Match Ajakaye all converted penalty kicks for the Flamingos, although defender Tumininu Adeshina's error had little bearing on the outcome because Germany's Pauliner Bartz missed the key kick.

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