Nigeria Beats Germany to Third Place as Spain Wins U-17 Women’s World Cup
By: Gyang Dakwo
Nigeria’s Flamingos on Sunday, 30 October, defeated Germany 3-2 on penalties in the third place match at the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in India in what was an emphatic result.
Coach Olowookere and his wards went into this match against Germany as wounded lions having lost their semifinal game against Colombia in a painful situation.
The Flamingos started the encounter on an impressive note, but they had to wait until the 20th minute before netting their first goal through Opeyemi Ajakaye.
Aminat Bello scored the second goal for the Flamingos in the 48th minute before Etim got the third goal in the 63rd minute. Germany pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Jella Veit with Paulina adding the second before Loreen Bender restored parity at the death to take the game into penalties.
Nigeria goalkeeper Faith Omilana was the star of the shootouts as Nigeria won 3-2 on penalties to secure the bronze medal of India FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
The win makes Nigeria the second African side to have clinched bronze after Ghana won it in 2012.
Meanwhile Spain defended their Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup title after beating Colombia 1-0 in a cagey final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai later on Sunday.
Despite dominating possession, Spain were frustrated by a resolute Colombian side until substitutes Paula Partido and Laia Martret combined to force an own-goal from Ana Guzman in the 82nd minute.
The goal deflated a resolute Colombian side as Spain upped the ante looking for another goal.
Colombia threw in everything chasing an equaliser but Spain held on to join North Korea in being two-time champions. The Spanish though are the only team to have defended their title.