Nigeria’s Flamingos opened their campaign at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on a losing note following a 2-1 defeat to Germany in their opening group B game.
Flamingos are back in the competition for the first time since 2016 after missing the last edition of the tournament in Uruguay.
Meanwhile, the National Eleven of Germany, who finished third in the inaugural edition of the World Cup, came into the tournament as the champions of Europe.
Versatile goal poacher Ajakaye Opeyemi’s curler was saved by Germany’s goalkeeper, who had a hand on the ball as it struck the post to safety
Abia Angel’s Miracle Usani fired a low range shot from a freekick just a few metres shy of the 18-year box to give Nigeria 1-0 halftime lead.
Svea Stoldt levelled for Germany just five minutes into the second half before Mara Alber gave Germany the lead for the first time in the encounter eleven minutes later.
Multiple attempts by both sides to find the back of the net again in the match were futile as the German side picked the maximum three points.
Flamingos will lock horns with New Zealand, who also lost their opening group game to Chile, in the second group B game on Friday.
Coach Bankole Olowookere and his players would be hoping to surpass the quarterfinals achievements in previous editions.
Flamingos have reached the quarterfinals on three occasions.
