By Nurudeen Obalola
The Flamingos of Nigeria took a big step towards qualifying for the next FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 3-1 victory over South Africa in the first leg of their qualifying tie on Saturday.
The victory came in South Africa’s home ground in Pretoria, setting the Nigerian girls up nicely for the return fixture in Ikenne-Remo next week.
The Flamingos struck twice in the first half and added their third goal midway into the second half, after the hosts had reduced the deficit just after the break.
Chidi Harmony netted a brace for the Nigerian girls, with Shakirat Moshood scoring the other goal.
It was indeed Moshood who got the Flamingos going with the opening goal in the 20th minute, stunning the South Africans.
Harmony stretched the Flamingos’ advantage from the penalty spot four minutes before half-time, but South Africa also scored a penalty to make 2-1 two minutes into the second half.
Harmony struck again in the 68th minute to restore Nigeria’s two-goal lead and give the Flamingos a healthy advantage ahead of the reverse fixture.
The winners of the tie on aggregate will proceed to the third round of the qualifying campaign.
This year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Morocco from October 17 to November 8, with Africa to present five teams (including the host nation) at the tournament, which has been expanded to a 24-nation championship.
