By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s U-17 women national team, Flamingos, on Tuesday October 11, 2022 began their 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign on a losing note.
The Nigerian team coached by Bankole Olowookere yielded to European champions Germany in a tensed group B match that ended 2-1 in favour of the latter at India
The Flamingos who are making a return to the tournament after missing out in 2018 when Uruguay hosted, scored first through right back Miracle Usani, a 15-year-old player.
The team had their first real sniff at goal with a powerful shot from top scorer during the qualifiers Opeyemi Ajakaye in the 18th minute who swivelled brilliantly and unleash a fierce shot which Germany goalkeeper Eve Boettcher saved with the fingertip.
Rightback Usani however put Nigeria in the lead with half an hour on the clock when her well crafted freekick sailed to the bottom left corner.
Svea Stoldt equalised for Germany in the 48th minute from a corner kick while Mara Alber who had many scoring opportunities in the first half eventually saw her efforts pay off when she slotted past Faith Omilani in goal for Nigeria who was left exposed by her defenders in the 61st minute.
Alara Sehitler had a great chance to drill home the third goal for Germany but her shot from the penalty arc was tame and subsequently defender Shakira Oyinlola cleared.
The Germans attacked even further in search of a backbreaking goal but were unable to find a way in five minutes of added time.
Nigeria will now face New Zealand in their second group game on Friday.
The Kiwis were beaten 3-0 by Chile earlier on Tuesday.
