The Flamingos became the second Nigerian women’s side to beat the United States in a game after sealing a 4-3 penalty shootout win at the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup.
Edafe, who scored Nigeria’s first goal from the spot in regulation time, sent the favourites, the US out with the last kick in the sudden death round of the penalty shootout.
Also, this is the first time Nigeria will make the semi-final stage of the Under 17 Women’s World Cup, pipping the USA after a full-time 1-1 draw.
FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup: The Numbers
Victory means a first last-four appearance in six FIFA World Cup U17 appearances for Nigeria.
In the United States, leaders from their group recorded 24 shots at goal.
The U.S. dominated for long stretches of the match, outshooting the Flamingoes 27-8.
Out of the 27 shots, the US could only get three on target with Nigeria getting two from eight.
Furthermore, The US dominated in the corner kick stats piling up 15 corner kicks to four.
Nigeria’s Afolabi picked the only card offence in the game, a yellow card.
History Rhymes
In 2010, Nigeria’s Falconets broke the quarterfinal jinx at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup with a stunning victory against the USA in the quarterfinal.
Helen Ukaonu’s thunderbolt brought Nigeria back into the game before heading into penalties.
Alaba Jonathan saved a penalty to send Nigeria to its first-ever semi-final at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Goalkeeper, Jiwuaku saved the US captain’s penalty as Nigeria qualified for their first-ever semi-final at the U17 Women’s World Cup.
The match marks the USA and Nigeria’s first meeting at the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Overall, gritty performance from the Flamingoes, who wait for Tanzania or Colombia in the semi-final set for Wednesday.