By Kamsi Anayo
Nigeria’s Flamingos finished in the third position at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after edging out Germany 3-2 on penalties in their third-place encounter in Mumbai on Sunday afternoon.
The Flamingos surrendered a 3-0 lead in the game with penalties needed to determine the winners.
It was Nigeria’s best finish in the history of the competition.
Germany’s lead in the seventh minute was cancelled following a foul on goalkeeper Faith Omilana.
Opeyemi Ajakaye opened scoring for Nigeria 20 minutes with a fine finish.
It was the 16-year-old’s first goal in the competition.
Aminat Bello almost doubled Nigeria’s lead two minutes but her effort narrowly missed target.
The Flamingos maintained their dominance throughout the first half but were unable to add to their lead.
Bello doubled Flamingos’ lead with a brilliant header three minutes after the break.
Substitute Etim Edidiong added the third goal for the Flamingos in the 63rd minute.
Germany pulled a goal back through Hella Viet 17 minutes from time.
The Germans piled pressure on the Flamingos afterwards but were unable to find a way back.
Paulina Bartz further reduced the deficit with another goal in the 84th minute.
Loreen Bender levelled scores for Germany on the dot of 90 minutes.
The Flamingos prevailed in the shootout winning 3-2.
