Frontline News reports that Nigeria’s Flamingos have been eliminated from the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following a 2-0 defeat by the United States in their quarter-final match at CFC Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, on Saturday.
Katharine Fuller and Kimball Ascanio scored for the Americans, who sought retribution for their 2022 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria. Fuller opened the scoring with a penalty in the 43rd minute, and Ascanio extended the lead in the 74th minute, securing a decisive win for the three-time quarter-finalists.
This loss concluded Nigeria’s commendable journey in the tournament. The Flamingos had triumphed in all their group-stage matches against New Zealand, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, netting nine goals while conceding only one.
Coach Bankole Olowookere made two first-half substitutions, introducing Blessing Ifitezue and Victory Ekezie in place of Peace Effiong and Risikat Azeez, but these adjustments did not alter the match's dynamics. The Americans maintained their dominance in the second half, with coach Natalia Astrain’s tactical changes proving effective. Substitute Ascanio quickly scored the pivotal second goal.
This outcome marked a disappointing end to Nigeria’s campaign, as they had hoped to replicate their 2022 success against the same team, which they achieved through penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
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