Usani’s stunner not enough as Germany beats Nigeria 2-1

Miracle Usani scored a stunner, yesterday, to give Nigeria the lead in their opening game of the ongoing India 2022 FIFA U-17 Women World Cup, but the strike was not enough to save the Flamingos as Germany rallied to a 2-1 win Goa.

It was the second Group B game of the competition, which kicked off in centres across India yesterday.
 
Before the game began, Chile had beaten New Zealand in Group B’s first match to make victory important for Nigeria’s progress from the zone. But the Bankole Olowookere-coached team, which controlled a better part of first half, could not find the strike needed to start their campaign on a sound footing. 

Flamingos’ goalkeeper Faith Omilani, was one of the shining lights in the Nigerian team as she warded off efforts from Svea Stoldt, Alara Sehitler and Mara Alber.
 
The Flamingos first made their intention of taking the lead known in the 18th minute when the team’s top striker,
Opeyemi Ajakaye, beat the German defence to the ball, but flying blinder was pushed to the post by Germany goalkeeper. 
 
The Flamingos eventually took the lead in the 30th minute through Usani’s freekick that sailed into the net without hindrance.

Germany came back stronger in the second half and got their deserved equalizer in the 50th minute through Svea Stold.

The goal seemed to have added mor4e fillip to Germans, who took the fight to Nigeria’s defence, which broke down in the 61st minute and allowed Mara Alber to score European champions winning goal.

Try as they did, Olowookere’s girls could not find the equaliser, leaving them on a must-win mission against New Zealand on Friday.

Nigeria are third on Group B’s table with zero point and a -1 goal difference.

Although Chile and Germany have the same three points, the South Americans top the table with their plus four goal difference, which is superior to the European champions’ plus one.

New Zealand are last on the log with no point and a goals difference of minus four.