Black Maidens fails to shine in Abuja, taught the game of soccer by Flamingoes

Nigeria U17 women team stepped up their preparation for Costa Rica 2014 with a comfortable victory against visitors Ghana U17 at the FIFA Goal Project Centre on Sunday evening.


The team's friendlies started with a one-all draw with their U20 counterparts, an impressive 2-1 win against Nasarawa Amazons, they gave Rivers Angels a good fight but lost 3-1 and drew 1-1 with Delta Queens in Oleh.

Dazzling right-back, Mary Ologbosere scored Flamingoes first goal after taking a 25-metre rocket 3 minutes after the game started.

Owusu Sandra missed a one-on-one chance to level after Ologbosere's goal, before Chinwendu Ihezuo thumped Flamingoes' second from a tight angle with 14 minutes left.

Aminat Yakubu added the third from the spot at added time.

Flamingoes have now scored 8 goals in their past five friendly games.

Despite the result, Evans Adotey's side started quickly, forcing Flamingoes goalkeeper Okeke Onyinyechukwu to deny Kuzagbe Vinoria early on.

Rasheedat Ajibade volleyed over for the home side, before Adams Azume palmed Aminat Yakubu's low shot behind as Flamingoes settled.

Pelican Stars striker, Chinwendu Ihezuo who before the match had three goals in four matches, constantly tormented Maidens' defence line.

Azume denied Uche Kalu after the restart when Bukola Ogunnoiki slipped her Pelican Stars' team-mate through, but the skillful starlet failed to take full advantage of the perfect pass.

The return leg of the friendlies would be played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 9th February.

Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia have qualified to represent Africa at the 4th FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup taking place in Costa Rica between March 15 – April 4.

Nigeria U17 team list: Okeke Onyinyechi, Ologbosere Mary (Anibaba Ayomide 86'), Dike Patience (Joy Duru 59'), Elijah Esther, Emenayo Ugochi, Bukola Ogunnoiki (Onyebuchi Ihuoma 56'), Tessy Biahwo (Joy Bokiri 58'), Rasheedat Ajibade (Cynthia Aku 57'), Aminat Yakubu, Uche Kalu (Ikechukwu Vivian 84'), Chinwendu Ihezuo

Subs Not Used: Ijeh Eluemunor, Mene Augusta, Vincent Mercy, Aernyi Sandra

Ghana U17 team list: Adams Azume, Dussey Jemima (Annor Florence 79'), Owusu Sandra (Amfobea Gladys 81') , Abdul Rahman Samira, Fusieni Amina, Abambila Ernestina, Opoku Vida (Abubakari Kubra 84'), Niber Lily, Adu Kate (Ephraim Elizabeth 75'), Kuzagbe Vinoria (Alhassan Rahma 60'), Issaka Laadi (Annokye Olivia 60')

Subs Not Used: Gyasi Rita