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Anthony Nlebem.
Nigeria’s U-17 girls the Flamingos began their 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign on a losing note following a 2-1 defeat to German in the opening game played on Tuesday, October 11.
The Flamingos scored first in the 30 minutes as Miracle Usani fired in front from a free-kick spot after captain Alvine Dah Zossu was hacked down.
The Flamingos were in the driving seat and still pressing high for another breakthrough as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria.
Pouring attacks from the Germans finally paid off as Svea Stold netted the equaliser in the 50 minutes,
Opeyemi Ajakaye came close in the 60 minutes after strings of attacks from the Flamingos, but could not find a breakthrough.
But the Germans regained possession and found the back of Flamingos’ net through Mara Alber strike, ten minutes into the second half.
Flamingos tried to get the equaliser as Oluwatiminu Adeshina came close with another fine strike, but couldn’t get past the German goalkeeper who pulled the save.
Nigeria’s defence came under attack again, but they managed to survive another onslaught from the Germans late in the second half.
Flamingos pushed forward in the search for a late leveller but the Germans held on firmly.
The game ended 2-1 in favour of Germany who top Group B with three points.
The Flamingos face a daunting task in their second match against New Zealand on Friday, October. A win will brighten their chance of progressing to the next round.