Mary Nkpa and Peace Effiong were both on target as Nigeria’s Flamingos defeated Benin 2-0 on Thursday to qualify for the final of the inaugural West African Football Union U17 Girls’ Cup taking place in Prampram, Ghana.
The Flamingos qualified for the semifinals having trashed Niger 9-0 in the first group game before defeating Ivory Coast 3-2 to seal their qualification out of the group. Meanwhile Niger lost both of their group games to Ghana, however, they still managed to qualify for the semifinals.
The first half of the game was very tense and competitive as both teams were unable to create clear cut chances to hurt the opposition.
However, the second half was a different story as Christiana Uzoma saved a goal-bound freekick before Janet Akekoromowei missed an absolute sitter to the dismay of the Flamingos. Nigeria led the game shortly after as Mary Nkpa calmly slotted in a penalty and they doubled the lead few minutes later as Peace Effiong came off the bench to score her second goal of the tournament.
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Chidi Harmony thought she had sealed the win as she scored after an impressive set piece routine, however, her goal was ruled out as the goalkeeper was impeded. Flamingos continued to press to seal the win but they were unable to extend their lead and the game finished 2-0.
With the win, Nigeria’s place in the final is now guaranteed and they will face the hosts Ghana who defeated Ivory Coast 5-0 in the first semifinal, in a chance to make history as the first winners of the WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup. Meanwhile, Benin’s journey is not over as they will battle against Ivory Coast for the bronze medal.
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