The Flamingos of Nigeria completed a successful bounce back from an opening day defeat to secure qualification for the quarterfinals at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India by defeating Chile 2-1 on Monday. An early goal from Blessing Emmanuel got her side off to an excellent start before Bisola Mosaku provided the second to give Nigeria enough cushion to hold off a late charge from the Chilean team. Three points moves Nigeria up to second place in Group B on six points total with a quarterfinal matchup set for Friday against either Brazil or the United States.
Nigeria continued off the momentum of a 4-0 victory over New Zealand in their second match and put immediate pressure on their opponents, leading to the opening goal inside five minutes. A slick team combination in the Chilean penalty area led to Opeyemi Ajakaye laying her pass between the legs of a defender to Emmanuel and the captain fired a low shot past goalkeeper Catalina Alvarado for her first goal of the competition.
The barrage of attacks continued from the Nigerians with a couple of good saves from Alvarado and desperate defending just keeping the deficit for Chile at one goal. Despite lacking the final ball for long stretches after the halftime break Nigeria found a deserved second goal in the 82nd minute when Amina Bello headed a service from out wide back across the Chilean goal for Mosaku to volley in past Alvarado from close range. Chile pegged one back in second half stoppage time when a handball in the Nigerian penalty area led to Tali Rovner’s spot kick conversion but the Flamingos held on for three crucial points.
Extended highlights of the match are below.
