Flamingos beat Puerto Rico 2-0 to boost World Cup knockout hopes
By Tosin Omojola
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, boosted their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their Group B encounter in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday night.
The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists started brightly, pressing high and putting the Puerto Rican defence under early pressure. Although both sides made a lively start, Nigeria gradually took control, using their quick movement and direct attacking play to create scoring opportunities.
The Flamingos broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when in-form striker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi converted Queen Joseph’s assist to give Nigeria the lead. The goal settled the Nigerian side, who grew in confidence and dominated possession for much of the first half.
After the break, the Flamingos continued to search for a second goal, with Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha all coming close. Puerto Rico, meanwhile, made changes in an attempt to fight their way back into the contest.
Nigeria’s coach, Hakeem Busari, responded by introducing Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute to inject fresh energy into the attack.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 90th minute when substitute Precious Oscar headed home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi to double Nigeria’s advantage and seal the 2-0 victory.
The Flamingos then showed composure to negotiate six minutes of added time and secure all three points. The result provides a significant boost to Nigeria’s qualification hopes, particularly after North Korea thrashed Poland 6-1 in the other Group B fixture.
The emphatic victory gives North Korea a substantial goal-difference advantage, making Friday’s encounter between the Flamingos and the Koreans crucial to Nigeria’s hopes of progressing in the tournament.
