2022 FIFA U17 WWC : Five observations from Nigeria's win over the United States

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.

These are our observations from the Nigeria U-17 women's national team after their win over USA in the first quarterfinals match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.

1. The USA Wing Play

The Americans deployed the wings to launch their attacks but in the second half, they found their way from the midfield.

2. USA, Nigeria Have Fit Teams 

Both sides have players who matched up on the physical level. There were tackles that went unpunished. 

The Flamingos lost Amina Bello before full time to injury. 

After 90 minutes of a grueling game, it's apparent that the players were able to go further if the rules had allowed for extra time. 

3. Flamingos Defenders Narrow 

The Nigerian girls played too narrow in central defence which somewhat helped in depriving the Americans spaces to operate. 

But the technically astute Americans sometimes found their way to cause problems for the Nigerians. 

4. Pitch and Weather 

The pitch caused some problems for the teams as their passes were severely affected by the state of the playing field due t. the the heavy rain. 

5. Linda Jiwuaku's Chance 

First choice keeper Faith Omilana had an average game as she repeated dropped the ball in attempts to catch it. 

The keeper was subbed off and replaced by Jiwuaku who proved to be a better option in the penalties in the knockout stages, saving one and seeing one of the kicks go wide. 

Izuchukwu Michael

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