Flamingos head coach Bankole Olowookere is in cloud nine following his team’s passage to the last four of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria reached the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup semi finals for the first time, when the Flamingos kept their nerves to defeat the USWYT 4-3 on penalties in a pulsating quarter-final in Navi Mumbai on Friday.
Nigeria took the lead in the 27th minute when the Video Assistant Referee adjudged that Aminat Bello was hacked in the box, and Right back Omamuzo Edafe converted the penalty.
The Americans, seeking a place in the last four for the first time in 14 years, restored parity 13 minutes later, after an unlucky Comfort Folorunsho diverted a fierce shot at the edge of the area past goalkeeper Faith Omilana.
After a goalless second half, the game went straight into penalties, with Edidiong Etim, Immaculata Offiong, Miracle Usani and Omamuzo Edafe all beating the US goalkeeper, while defender Comfort Folorunsho missed.
Her miss did not matter though as Emri blew her kick wide and substitute goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku saved from Bhuta to give Nigeria the day.
” I’m happy with the win, there is nothing I can give nigerians than to win the game, Olowookere said after the nerve-racking penalty kick.
“I’m happy with the team, no one gave us a chance but we aren’t destined to go out in the quarter final.
“I’m happy, we have good future ahead of us,” the Coach enthused.
The Flamingos will now take on the winner of the encounter between Colombia and Tanzania, in the semi finals.
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