A dramatic six-goal thriller between Nigeria and Germany in the third-place playoff at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup was eventually decided in an even pulsating penalty shootout this Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
Nigeria raced to a 3-0 lead against the European Champions with goals from Opeyemi Ajakaye, Amina Bello and Edidiong Etim; although they could have scored more. However, Germany fought their way back into the contest grabbing three goals and all in 18 minutes through Jelta Veit, Paulina Bartz and a spectacular Loreen Bender volley.
That remarkable comeback forced the game into penalties, which the African side has had some experience with in India. It was the third shootout for the Nigerian girls in the tournament following a win (4-3) over USA after a 1-1 draw in the quarter-final. Then there was the heartbreak in the shootouts against Colombia in the semis, which ended goalless in regular time and the South Americans won 5-6 in the penalties.
This time against the Germans though, despite allowing Germany to fight back from 3-0 down, Nigeria emerged winners after a 3-2 victory in the post-match penalties.
Blessing Sunday, Edidiong Etim, and Opeyemi Ajakaye scored Nigeria’s penalties, while Tumininu Adeshina’s effort was saved.
Jella Veit and Mathilde Janzen scored Germany’s two penalties, while Paulina Platner and Bender sent their efforts wide. Faith Omilana saved Paulina Bartz’s penalty to ensure the Africans finished third in the competition.