The Flamingos have been eliminated from the U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 0-2 loss to the US in the quarter-final on Saturday.
Nigeria won all three matches in Group A, scoring nine goals and collecting maximum points to advance to the last eight.
However, against the US in Santiago, Nigeria appeared sluggish and rarely threatened their opponents. Top scorer Moshood Shakirat further complicated matters for the Flamingos when her tackle on Jocelyn Travers was deemed a penalty after an extensive video review.
The US’ Kennedy Fuller swiftly converted the spot-kick just two minutes before half-time, giving the Americans the lead.
In the second half, Nigeria struggled to find an equaliser and eventually conceded a second goal.
As the game wore on with limited opportunities on either side, Kimmi Ascanio completed a swift US counter-attack in the 74th minute, securing a semi-final spot for the Americans.
This semi-final appearance is the first for the US since they reached the same stage in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2008.
C̶R̶7̶ KA7. 😏#U17WWC pic.twitter.com/b1zi9Y0Xp8
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) October 26, 2024