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Flamingos beat Germany to claim FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup bronze medals

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1 year ago

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Nigeria won their first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup bronze medals on Sunday in Mumbai after a 3-2 penalty kicks shootout win over Germany.

Both teams had started the competition against each other, with the Germans coming back from a goal down to win 2-1 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

But, this time around, in spite of coming back from three goals down, they failed to clinch a winning goal and could not succeed at the shooting range.

The Europeans, who lost through a late goal to Cup-holders Spain in Wednesday’s second semi-final, started the brighter side in this third-place match.

They had the ball in the net through Marie Steiner in the fifth minute off a cross from Laura Gloning, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled if offside.

Nigeria however took the lead in the 21st minute through Opeyemi Ajakaye, after she got the better of Eve Boettcher from a flowing move.

Goalkeeper Faith Omilana saved from Gloning five minutes later, while Nigeria should have been 2-0 up in time-added-on in the first half after Chidera Okenwa missed a one-on-one with Boettcher.

The Flamingos continued the second half from where they left off in the first period and were more fortunate this time.

Aminat Bello headed powerfully into the net from defender Miracle Usani’s corner kick in the 48th minute, while Edidiong Etim extended their lead only four minutes after replacing Okenwa.

But Germany fought back gamely and reduced the scoreline in the 73rd minute when Veit Jella pulled one back.

Five minutes later, Ajakaye had an opportunity to make it 4-1 but faltered.

Paulina Platiner made it 3-2 with five minutes to go and on the dot of 90 minutes, Loreen Bender tied the scoreline to compel a third penalty kicks shootout for the Flamingos.

Substitutes Blessing Sunday and Etim, and Player-of-the-Match Ajakaye scored from the spot for Nigeria, while defender Tumininu Adeshina missed.

But it did not matter as Pauliner Bartz missed a crucial kick for Germany.

Flamingos’ coach Bankole Olowookere said afterwards: “I am a very happy man that we did not leave India empty-handed.

“It has been a great tournament with a lot of lessons learnt. We give God the glory.”

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EPL: Fulham boss thumbs up Bassey’s display against Nottingham Forest

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3 days ago

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December 8, 2023

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Fulham manager, Marco Silva has showered encomium on Calvin Bassey following his impressive performance in the club’s big win against Nottingham Forest.

The Nigeria international was deployed on the left side of a back three in the 5-0 thrashing of Steve Cooper’s side at the Vicarage Road on Wednesday night.

Bassey received rave reviews for his display in the game.

Silva praised the defender for adapting to the new position.

“Bassey played on the left-hand side, which is usually Tim’s role, and it was nice to see him perform as well, ” the gaffer said after the game.

The 23-year-old’s international teammate Alex Iwobi scored a brace for Fulham in the encounter.

Bassey joined Fulham from Eredivisie outfit Ajax in the summer.

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He reminds me of Lampard – Evra hails Man Utd midfielder

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3 days ago

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December 7, 2023

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Former Manchester United vice-captain, Patrice Evra has hailed midfielder Scott McTominay for his impressive display against Chelsea on Wednesday.

Evra said that McTominay reminds him of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, adding that the Scotland international always performs in big matches.

McTominay scored a brace as Man United defeated Chelsea 2-1 in Wednesday’s Premier League tie at Old Trafford.

His brace against Mauricio Pochettino’s side was his sixth goal this season in all competitions for the Red Devils so far.

He is Man United’s top scorer for the season so far and Evra is impressed with him.

“McTominay is always there when it is an important game scoring goals,” Evra told Amazon Prime.

“He reminds me a bit of Frank Lampard. He is doing this for United and the Scottish national team so very well done.

“He could have scored four. After the game he was a little bit disappointed. He had so many chances, he is always in the right place and always running into the box, this is why he reminds me of of Lampard tonight.”

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CAF Awards 2023: Nnadozie, Abiodun, Super Falcons among final top three nominees

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3 days ago

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December 7, 2023

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Chiamaka Nnadozie has made the final shortlist for the 2023 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.

Nnadozie was outstanding for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The shot stopper also played a crucial role in her club, FC Paris’ maiden appearance in the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi are the other goalies nominated for the award.

In the Women’s Young Player of the Year category, Deborah Abiodun will slug it out with Comfort Yeboah (Ghana) and Nesryne El Chad (Morocco).

Nigeria was among the final three nominees in the Women’s National Team of the Year category.

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