Flamingos player ratings v Germany : Usani and Emmanuel catch the eye, Ajakaye graceful

Nigeria's U17 Women's National Team, Flamingoes were defeated 2-1 by European champions Germany in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup despite taking the lead through her excellent free-kick from Miracle Usani in the 30th minute. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the Nigeria U17 players who were in action at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao.

The Starters 

Goalkeeper 

Faith Omilana : The keeper made some instinctive saves but was left terribly exposed for the goals she conceded by her defenders. 6/10 

Defenders

Miracle Usani  : The 15-year-old defender scored a fantastic goal from a freekick in the 30th minute. Generally she was solid aside the goal. 7/10.

Comfort Folorunsho : The left back was at hand to make vital clearances but also had torrid time dealing with the nippy Mara Alber. 6/10.

Shakira Oyinlola  : The centre-back was efficient in her defensive tasks in most parts of the game. However her communication with partner Tumininu Adeshina needs to get better as they were in six and sevens when Germany threaten. 7/10. 

Tumininu Adeshina : A lot can get better in her game. She was somewhat the weaker of the central defensive partners. Still an okay game from the defender but they need to improve in the next game. 6/10. 

Midfielders and strikers 

Mary Aderemi : The defensive midfielder was battling and put up a lot of resilience in breaking plays but she didn't do it consistently for 90 minutes. Had an injury scare. 7/10. 

Blessing Emmanuel  : The attacking midfielder's passes were excellent and incisive. One of the bright spots noticed early on the tournament. 7.5/10. 

Taiwo Afolabi : The diminutive winger was one of the key players in the qualifiers bit this was not one of her best games in the green and white colors of Nigeria.  Had to be subbed off at half time. 5.5/10. 

Edidiong Etim  : The left sided winger was full of runs and chased lost causes. She is blessed with pace and has lots of tricks but sometimes her final balls left much to be desired. 6/10. 

Alvine Dah-Zossu : The captain of the team had good moments and was the target of some harsh fouls before she was subbed off at halftime. 6.5/10. 

Opeyemi Ajakaye  : The team's hope for goal proved that she is a powerful and dangerous striker.  Graceful mover and focal point of the attack. The top scorer during Nigeria's qualification campaign had a great chance to score bit her volley was saved by the German keeper. 8/10.

The Substitutes 

Amina Bello : Linked up well with Opeyemi Ajakaye when she came on. Proved to be a better threat going forward than Taiwo Afolabi. 6/10. 

Bisola Mosaku : Mosaku has twinkle toes and was an outlet while attacking. One to watch out for. 5/10. 

Izuchukwu Michael

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