FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup: USA ends Nigeria’s perfect run

By Tosin Omojola

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the USA, exiting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic after a 2-0 loss to the Americans.

A goal in each half was enough to send the USA into the semifinals at the expense of the hard-fighting but goal-shy Nigerians.

For the USA, the victory was a sweet revenge after Nigeria edged past them on penalties at the same quarterfinal stage two years ago in India.

The USA took the lead in the 43rd minute through a penalty converted by Kennedy Fuller after Shakirat Moshood committed a foul inside the box, confirmed by VAR.

The Flamingos dictated play and created better chances in the first half but lacked clinical finishing.

Top striker Harmony Chidi came close twice but couldn’t find the back of the net.

The story continued after the interval until the USA doubled their lead in the 77th minute, courtesy of Kimmi Ascanio.

The USA continued to press for more goals in the closing minutes.