Skip to main content

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingoes lose opening match

Nigeria's Flamingoes

Nigeria’s Flamingoes

Nigeria’s Flamingoes opened their Jordan 2016 campaign in the worst possible fashion with a hard-fought 0-1 loss to Brazil at the King Abudullah II Stadium in Amman.

A brilliant chip by the South Americans’ Micaelly proved the difference between the teams and gives Luizao’s side an early advantage in Group C.

Brazil were the more cohesive and inventive side and, initially at least, simply lacked a cutting edge to complement their fine approach play.

Indeed, in spite of their early dominance, the South Americans had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping them on level terms when the game’s first big chances were created.

Twice within a few seconds midway through the first half, Kemelli was called upon to deny Nigeria.

She first tipped wide a Mary-Ann Ezanagu chance and then leapt to her left to claw out Christy Ucheibe’s effort from the resulting corner kick.

Nonetheless, Brazil remained the better side and it was no more than they deserved when Micaelly gave them a 41st-minute lead.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie initially looked to have averted danger when, with Ana Votira racing through, she charged from her goal to clear at the striker’s feet.

However, Nnadozie’s clearance landed straight at the feet of Brazil’s Micaelly.

But, even with two covering defenders in her way, Micaelly had the skill and composure required to measure an inch-perfect chip over their heads and into the Nigerian net.

Sadly, there was nothing in a disappointing second half to match that moment of magic, with tough tackling more prevalent than skill or invention.

Brazil, though, will simply be happy to have emerged with a win that leaves them well placed in a section that also includes England and Korea DPR.

Both England and North Korea drew 3-3 in the other Group C match to leave Nigeria at the bottom of the group’s table.(NAN)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Houthis Claim Attack on Central Israel in Response to Gaza ‘Massacres’

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken a concerning regional turn as the Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for an attack on central Israel. The group announced this as part of their escalating response to what they describe as "massacres" in Gaza amid the Israeli military’s operations in the strip. Details of the Attack The Houthis, a Shiite militant group with ties to Iran, declared that they launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel. While the exact impact of these attacks remains unclear, reports suggest that Israel’s defense systems intercepted several threats over its airspace. This marks a significant escalation as the Houthis widen their involvement in the conflict beyond their typical operations within Yemen and neighboring Saudi Arabia. The Houthis’ Justification In their statement, the Houthis framed the attack as retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which they characterized as indiscriminate bombings resultin...

Fire: UniJos Senate convenes emergency meeting on Monday

Fire at the University of Jos Library University of Jos is to convene an emergency senate meeting on Monday to review the level of damage done to the institution by the Saturday night inferno. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, disclosed this on Sunday after inspecting areas affected by the incident. The fire, which lasted for more than six hours, destroyed the Library Complex that equally houses the faculties of management and social sciences. The fire also destroyed examination scripts, books and very crucial materials. Consequently, the vice-chancellor said “the Senate will meet tomorrow (Monday) to take a decision about the unmarked examination scripts that were burnt.” On the cause of the inferno, Maimako said investigation had commenced, adding that “nothing has been confirmed yet. We are still investigating.” The vice chancellor said the school was already working with federal authorities toward establishing a main fire station since the mini fire station in t...

UK gets new prime minister Wednesday

Britain Home Secretary Theresa May to be officially unveiled as UK’s new Prime Minister on Wednesday David Cameron is to step down as Prime Minister on Wednesday after Prime Minister’s Questions. Theresa May will succeed him. An eurozone’s top official says it’s important that Britain’s next prime minister gets on with sorting out the implications of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union as soon as possible, reports Associated Press. Speaking after it became apparent that Theresa May could replace David Cameron as soon as this week, Jeroen Dijsselbloem said the next British prime minister will have to “find solutions for the Brexit which has been causing a lot of problems particularly for the U.K., but also for Europe.” He said that the “sooner we can sort out this problematic situation the better.” Dijsselbloem spoke ahead of a meeting of the eurozone’s 19 finance ministers in Brussels. Though Britain’s decision to leave the EU isn’t a primary topic of discussion, the ...