U-17 WWC: How Nigeria’s Flamingos conquered USA 4-3 to qualify for first-ever semi-finals

By Adeleye Kunle

Goalkeeper Faith Omilana proved her class as the Flamingos sailed into the semi-finals at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following a 4-3 penalty shootout win against United States of America.

It’s the first time the Flamingos would make it to the last four of the competition.

The quarter-final encounter at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was delayed due to adverse weather.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes with Omilana making a number of crucial saves to keep the Flamingos in the mix.

The 16-year-old also saved two penalties to help the Flamingos beat the Americans.

USA pinned back the Flamingos early in the game, but it was the Nigerian girls that scored the curtain raiser.

Amina Bello was fouled inside the box by an American on 25 minutes and the centre referee rightly pointed to the spot.

Edafe Omamuso sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand the Flamingos the lead.

Amalia Villarreal equalised for USA five minutes before the break.

Both teams could not be separated after 90 minutes and penalty shootout was needed to determine the winner.

In the end, the Flamingos converted four, while the Americans only scored three of their spot kicks