October 30, (THEWILL) – Nigeria finished with the bronze medal after defeating Germany 3-2 on penalties at the seventh FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, which was held in India, to claim the country’s first-ever medal at the event.
Although Marie Steiner scored for the Germans early, the goal was disallowed after a VAR intervention for a foul on goalkeeper, Faith Omilana. At the other end, German goalkeeper, Eve Boettcher, saved Amina Bello’s long-range attempt in the fourth minute, as the Nigerian girls started to threaten.
Opeyemi Ajakaye’s spectacular 20th-minute strike broke the deadlock to hand Nigeria the first-half advantage and Amina Bello, netted a header three minutes after the end of the second half to increase Nigeria’s lead. Substitute, Etim Edidiong, made it three in the 63rd minute.
However, as they did at the meeting of the two sides in the group stage, the tenacious Germans started an incredible comeback when Jella Viet, scored in the 73rd minute. Platiner Paulina and Loreen Bender, finished off Germany’s comeback to tie the score at three all by the final whistle.
For the third straight game, the Flamingos were faced with penalty shootouts to determine a winner. While the Germans missed three of their five penalty attempts, Nigeria scored three to win the dramatic losers’ final 3-2 on penalties.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
