FIFA U-17 WWC: Nigeria's Flamingos beat Germany to win bronze
While it looked the Germans were down and out, they mustered a comeback and made it 3-3 in the 90th minute
After narrowly missing out on a place in the final match, the Falmingos on Sunday soared to a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Germany to win the bronze medal at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in style.
The Flamingos inexplicably blew a three goal lead as the Germans extended the game into penalties coming from 3-0 to make it 3-3.
However, the Flamingos prevailed in the ensuing penalty kicks; winning it 3-2.
Though determined to make amends after losing to Colombia via penalty shootout in the semi final, the Falmingos almost started Sunday's bronze medal contest on the back foot.
The Coach Bankole Olowookere tutored girls could have been a goal down early into the game but they were left off the hook after a VAR check by the referee.
After escaping that momentary scare, Nigeria’s Flamingos shot into the lead in the 18th minute when Opeyemi Ajakaiye outpaced the German defenders to put Nigeria ahead.
Though there were pockets of chances afterwards for both teams, they were not converted as the Flamingos held on to their slim lead into the break.
The Flamingos had a dream start in the second half as Aminat Bello doubled their lead barley three minutes into the second half
Bello nodded home from a corner kick in the 48th minute to put the Flamingos on course for the bronze medal.
Despite the fluid playing attacking style of the Germans, the Falmingos appeared to have an answer to everything thrown at the them.
The Falmingos showed they meant business when Etim Edidiong put Nigeria 3-0 up in the 65th minute.
While it looked the Germans were down and out, they mustered a comeback and made it 3-3 in the 90th minute.
As the game went to the penalty shoot out, Falmingos held their nerve to prevail 3-2 to win what was a historic bronze medal.
In the VIP stands watching the Flamingos make history were the NFF boss, Ibrahim Musa Gusau and his immediate predecessor, Amaju Pinnick who predictably were delighted with the performance of the young girls.
