Nigeria’s Flamingos qualify for 2022 FIFA U-17 World Cup after home draw with Ethiopians

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Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup billed for India, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In the second leg played inside the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Saturday, the Flamingos were held to a goalless by Ethiopia to qualify 1-0 on aggregate.

Omowunmi Bello came close by putting the hosts upfront in the 13th minute but the Ethiopian young goalie, Abeba pull some top class saves.

She stood resolute between the sticks for large spells in the game and was the major difference between both teams.

Ethiopia came close to leveling the aggregate score in the 42nd minute when Kebede attempted a shot which beat goalkeeper

Faith Omilana rooted. She was however alert to gather the ball and save a potentially dangerous rebound.

The hosts are roaring to break deadlock in the second stanza as the begining to ask too much question on the field, but were kept out by the impressive Ethiopian defense. Ajakaye came close to scoring again in the 54th minute but was denied by the impressive Ethiopian goalie Abeba.

Kabede also proved a threat towards Nigerian defense as she attempted to score again with Omilana proving a stumbling block.

Yetunde Ayantosho was subbed on for Alvine Dah Zossu on the hour mark and the team kept the game like that to book a place in India.

The U17 Nigeria female cadet played six qualifying matches and scored 15 goals and conceded none, and recorded no defeat.

Nigeria will join two other teams in representing Africa at the mundial which is billed to run from October 11 to 30, 2022.

The World Cup is the 7th edition since its inception in 2008, and it will be the first time that India will be hosting a FIFA women’s football tournament.