Nigeria U-17 women’s team, Flamingos clinched the third position at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Germany 3-2 on penalties in their third-place encounter in Mumbai on Sunday afternoon.
The Flamingos gave up a 3-0 lead in the game as the Germans came back to force the game into penalty shootout.
Germany first took the lead in the seventh minute but had their goal cancelled out following a foul on goalkeeper Faith Omilana.
Opeyemi Ajakaye grabbed her first goal of the tournament, scoring for Nigeria in 20 minutes with a sublime finish.
The Flamingos maintained their dominance throughout the first half but were unable to add to their lead.
Aminat Bello who was splendid throughout the game doubled Flamingos’ lead with a brilliant header three minutes after the break.
Substitute Etim Edidiong added the third goal for the Flamingos in the 63rd minute.
Germany pulled a goal back through Hella Viet 17 minutes from time.
The Germans piled pressure on the Flamingos afterwards but were unable to find a way back.
Paulina Bartz further reduced the deficit with another goal in the 84th minute.
Loreen Bender levelled scores for Germany on the dot of 90 minutes.
The Flamingos came out victorious in the penalty shootout 3-2.