Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, kept their hopes alive at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico on Tuesday night in Rabat.
The Flamingos, who won bronze at the 2022 edition, took the lead in the 25th minute through Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, who finished Queen Joseph’s pass to give Nigeria a deserved advantage.
Nigeria continued to control the game and created more chances but could not score again before half-time.
In the second half, Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha came close to extending Nigeria’s lead.
Head coach Hakeem Busari introduced Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute as the Flamingos pushed for a second goal.
Their efforts paid off in the 90th minute when substitute Precious Oscar headed home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi to make it 2-0.
Nigeria held on through six minutes of added time to secure all three points.
The victory is a major boost for the Flamingos ahead of their next Group B match against North Korea on Friday.
North Korea defeated Poland 6-1 in the other Group B match, giving Nigeria an important opportunity to strengthen their position in the group.
