Flamingos beat Puerto Rico 2-0 to boost U-17 World Cup hopes

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, kept their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign on track with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their Group B encounter in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday night.

The 2022 bronze medallists made a purposeful start, pressing high and putting the Puerto Rican defence under early pressure. Both teams showed attacking intent in the opening stages, but Nigeria gradually took control with their quick movement and direct approach.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when in-form striker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished Queen Joseph’s assist to give Nigeria the lead. The goal boosted the Flamingos’ confidence as they enjoyed more possession and sought to extend their advantage before half-time.

Nigeria continued to push for a second goal after the break, with Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha all coming close. Puerto Rico also made changes in an attempt to get back into the contest.

Flamingos coach Hakeem Busari responded by introducing Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute to inject fresh energy into the attack.

Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 90th minute when substitute Precious Oscar headed home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi to seal the 2-0 victory.

The Flamingos then held firm through six minutes of added time to secure all three points and strengthen their position in Group B.

The victory takes on added significance following North Korea’s 6-1 win over Poland in the group’s other match. The result leaves Nigeria with an important opportunity to strengthen their qualification prospects when they face the Koreans in their next Group B fixture on Friday.