The Flamingos of Nigeria yesterday overpowered hosts, DR Congo and earned a 3-0 victory in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup second round, first leg encounter in Kinshasa.
Blessing Emmanuel scored the opening goal after defender Miracle Usani drove the ball forward before delivering the inch-perfect pull out for her to score.
The first half ended 1-0 after near-misses on the part of the Flamingoes and a penalty appeal that was overlooked by the referee.
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On resumption, Coach Bankole Olowookere threw Raheemot Adebayo and
Anastasia Atume into the fray as he withdrew Aminat Bello and Kafayat Bashiru.
The changes brought instant reward as Atume was fouled near the Congolese goal area, and Tumininu Adeshina rammed the ball into the net for Nigeria’s second.
Atume missed a sitter two minutes later, but with 14 minutes to go, Taiwo Ajakaye took on the Congolese defence and teased out goalkeeper Lumela before finishing smoothly for Nigeria’s third goal.
Flamingoes and DR Congo will clash again on March 19 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with the Nigerian girls already with a leg into the third round, where they have Egypt waiting.
