Nigeria's U-17 Women's team, the Flamingos, on Sunday defeated Germany 3-2 on penalties to win the bronze medal in the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India.
Before the end of normal time, the Flamingos had a three-goal advantage, however, the Germans tied the score, forcing penalties.
In regulation time, the score was tied 3-3, forcing a penalty shootout. The outcome of the penalty shootout was 3-2 in favor of Nigeria and a clinch of a consoling bronze medal.
Opeyemi Ajakaye, a forward for the Flamingos, scored an outstanding first goal in the 20th minute to end Nigeria's goalless goal streak and reward the team for a strong start to the game.
The score remained the same for the whole of the first half, but three minutes into the second, an Aminat Bello goal gave the Nigerians a two-goal advantage.
The Flamingos then increased their lead to three when Etim Edidiong scored in the 63rd minute.
However, in the final 17 minutes of the game, the Germans scored three goals to force penalties that ended in 3-2 in favor of Nigeria thereby granting the Flamingos the last laugh and earning Ajakaye the player of the match award, which is her third in the competition.
It was the Flamingos' third penalty shootout of the competition. They had previously defeated the US on penalties, but they lost the semi-final against Colombia after penalties.
The Nigerians won four and lost two of their six games. And for the first time this season, the Nigerian team made it to the competition's semifinals.
After Ghana's victory in 2012, Nigeria is now the second African team to earn bronze as a result of its victory on Sunday.
Ahmed Musa, the captain of the Super Eagles, promised the players an N3 million reward to celebrate their victory.
“Three million waiting for Flamingos in Abuja.” Congratulations,” he wrote in reaction to a tweet on the Super Falcons’ handle celebrating their win.
The Nigerian team is anticipated to return to the country later this week.
Sports
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