Nigeria’s U-17 girls’ team, the Flamingos, secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast on Monday, thanks to a hat-trick from scoring sensation Harmony Chidi, to finish top of Group B in the WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup.
The Flamingos, who had already thrashed Niger Republic 9-0 in their opening match, completed the group campaign with maximum points and an impressive 12 goals scored while conceding only two.
Ivory Coast, who had beaten Niger Republic 5-0, finished second in the group with three points and seven goals scored, three conceded.
Chidi, who had previously netted 13 goals in the team’s qualifying campaign for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, was once again the star of the show, scoring all three goals for the Flamingos.
Her hat-trick ensured Nigeria’s progression to the semi-finals, where they will face neighbors Benin Republic on Thursday.
The young Ivorian girls, who had given Nigeria a scare with goals from Esther Kwame and Guasam, will take on hosts Ghana in the first semi-final on Thursday.
Kwame’s long-distance shot in the 56th minute and Guasam’s penalty kick five minutes later had reduced the deficit, but Chidi’s goals proved decisive in the end.
The WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup semi-finals will take place on Thursday, with the final set for Saturday.
