Nigeria’s U17 Flamingos ran riot against the Democratic Republic of Congo in their second round, first leg qualifying encounter in Kinshasa on Sunday, winning 3-0.
It was a surprise that the opening goal did not come until the 36th minute for the three-time World Cup quarter-finalists, who started the match like a house on fire and dominated the hosts to such a degree.
Blessing Emmanuel scored the Flamingos’ first goal of the day after Miracle Usani drove the ball forward and pulled it out for her. There were several close-calls and missed penalty appeals in the first half, which ended with Nigeria winning 1-0.
In the second half, the Flamingos blasted a couple of free-kicks against the wall, and goalkeeper Faith Omilana ensured there was no silver lining for the home team.
In During the 63rd minute, Coach Bankole Olowookere introduced Raheemot Adebayo and Anastasia Atume, removing Kafayat Bashiru and Aminat Bello.
Immediately after the substitutions, Tumininu Adeshina netted Nigeria’s second goal after Atume was fouled near the Congolese goal area.
Atume missed a sitter two minutes later, but with 14 minutes left, Taiwo Ajakaye got behind the Congolese defence and teased Lumela out before finishing smoothly for Nigeria’s third goal.
With 20 minutes left in the match, Nwanji was sent off, leaving the Congolese with only 10 players.
The two teams meet again on 19th March at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The Flamingos have already qualified for the quarterfinals, where they will meet the U17 women of Egypt.