The Nigeria U17 Women’s national team yesterday suffered a 2-1 defeat to Germany in their first group B match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.
The two teams clashed in the second game of Group B after Chile beat New Zealand 3-1 in the first game and it was the reigning European champions that came back from a goal down to win 2-1 at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa at regulation time.
Miracle Usani put the Flamingos in the ascendancy in the 30th minute off a well-converted free kick at the edge of the Germans’ 18-yard box after Alvine Dah Zozzu was fouled while attempting to force her way into the Germans’ vital area.
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The first half ended 1-0 with the Nigerians in a vantage position but the Germans came back fighting in the second half and were on level terms four minutes into the second half through Svea Stoldt before Mara Alber struck in the 61st minute to make it a memorable comeback for the Germans.
The Nigeria side pushed for an equalizer but the Germans’ defence stood tall to hold on and secure a 2-1 win.
Flamingos will have another opportunity to redeem their image when they face New Zealand in the second group game on Friday by noon.
It became a losing start for two of the three African representatives with the Moroccans also losing to Brazil 1-0 in Group A.