Flamingos' player ratings vs USA : Folorunsho, Oyinlola prove their mettle; Bello lively; Edafe composed

Nigeria's U-17 women's national team the Flamingos on Friday booked a place in the semifinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India with 4-3 win after penalties against USA.

The game which was delayed due to bad weather finished 1-1 after 90 minutes. 

The penalty shootouts ensued and the Nigerians converted four of their kicks with Comfort Folorunsho the only penalty taker that missed hers. 

This is how the players fared : 

The starters 

Goalkeeper

Faith Omilana : The Nigerian keeper had issues with handling the ball firmly as she repeatedly dropped it and had to gather at second attempt.

Substituted in th second half when it was clear that the game was headed for the lottery of the penalties. 5.5/10.

Defenders
 
Miracle Usani : The right back was tasked with marking USA forward of Nigerian descent Onyeka Gorero.

Usani did her job very well albeit the fantastic American also shone in many parts, creating chances upon chances. Usani initially had her penalty kick saved but she had to retake it when the VAR found USA keeper stepping out of her lines before the kick was taken. 7/10.

Tumininu Adeshina : The left back created some fantastic chances in the game, delivering quality crosses into the penalty area but was once again subbed off and replaced by Edidiong Etim in the second half. 6/10. 

Comfort Folorunsho : Despite missing her penalty kick, the tall defender had a great game and was one of the key factors why the Flamingos came out victorious. 

Folorunsho made several clearances and blocks from the rampaging Yankees. 

Perhaps, she should just stick to her defending and leave out the job of playing penalties if they have to do so again in the tournament. 8/10. 

Shakirat Oyinlola : Oyinlola was also in great shape in central defence but there were a few times that her clearances and passes were poor. 7/10. 

Midfielders and strikers

Blessing Emmanuel : The stand-in captain foiled the many attempts of the USA forward players and won many balls in midfield duels. 

Good leadership by the captain as well as she was seen talking to the players encouragingly when the Americans seemed to be in advantageous positions. 7/10. 

Taiwo Afolabi : The creative midfielder had a better first half than the second as the Americans found spaces to attack from the middle. 

The USA team had initially used the wings to great effect but the second stanza was a more subdued one for the Nigerian girls. Received a yellow card. 6.5/10. 

Bisola Mosaku : The energetic midfielder was as usual asking all the questions with her box to box style. She won some tackles supported the attacking moves when necessary. 7/10. 

Omamuzo Edafe : Kept her composure to score Nigeria's goal in regulation time, a penalty in the 27th minute. Also scored in the shootout. Strong. 7/10. 

Amina Bello : A very lively player whose presence was always a nightmare for opposition players. She was however subbed off injured. 7/10.

Opeyemi Ajakaye : The lead striker is yet to score from open play but is always a terror for defenders at the tournament. Great strength and link up play. 7/10.

The substitutes

Edidiong Etim : Speedy, trickery and a great combo in attack for Ajakaye and Bello. 7/10. 

Offing Immaculate : Came late on as the penalty kicks beckoned. She made a great block before the final whistle. Converted her effort. NA 

Linda Jiwuaku : The second choice keeper saved one of the penalty kicks while another was blazed wide. Great show of Resilience. NA 

Izuchukwu Michael

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