Bala Nikyu’s girls failed in their bid to grab a semi final place at the ongoing Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup after losing to Jorge Vilda’s side
Nigeria lost 3-0 to Spain in the quarter final game of the Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup played at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano, Liberia on Friday morning.
A brace from Patri Guijarro plus one from Nahikari Garcia were all the Europeans needed to book a place in the semi final of the competition at the expense of Bala Nikyu’s side as the Nigerians once agains failed to make it past the quarters.
Nikyu's team were second best for most of the game and lacked the bite to open up the Spanish defence while the Europeans easily found space in the Nigerian area.
Jorge Vilda’s girls took the lead in the 14th minute from the penalty spot after Andrea Falcon was brought down by Ugochi Emenayo inside the area of the Flamingoes.
Guijarro made no mistake in slotting home the resulting kick despite goalkeeper Onyinyechukwu Okeke guessing the right direction.
The Flamingoes could have equalised but Uchenna Kanu’s cross from the left side of the Spanish backline was made a mess of by captain Chinwe Ihezuo who failed to convert from close range despite needing just a simple tap to get her side back into contention.
Garcia and Laura Dominguez were prevented from putting the Europeans ahead in the closing stages of the first half by goalkeeper Okeke who was by far the busier of the two shot-stoppers.
Spain continued their dominance on restart of the second half and got their reward when Garcia doubled her side's lead. Dominguez set her up with a sublime pass before holding off a Nigeria defender and beating the advancing goalkeeper.
Guijarro completed her brace in the 71st minute by forcing the ball past Okeke who spilt her save following a ferocious strike from Sandra Herndandez.
The result ended a seven-match unbeaten run for Nigeria at the tournament dating back to 2012, and fell one match short of the record sequence established by Japan between 2010 and 2012.
Spain will play Italy, who eliminated Ghana, in the semi final on Monday while Venezuela and Japan will contest the other game.
No comments:
Post a Comment