Nigerian Girls Through To India 2022 U-17 World Cup

Nigeria booked her ticket to the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India on Saturday despite being held to a barren draw by Ethiopia in the 2nd leg of the final round of the qualifiers, Megasportsarena.com reports.

The Flamingos had claimed a 1-0 victory over the Ethiopians in the first leg in Addis Ababa, thanks to Opeyemi Ajakaye’s first half strike and the unexpected 2nd leg draw in Abuja qualified them for the competition.

At the Moshood Abiola Stadium, the Flamingos looked anxious to secure a double over the Ethiopians but the visitors will have in-form goalkeeper Abeba Ajibo to thank as she kept the pouring hosts at bay for the entire duration of the encounter.

As expected, Omowunmi Bello, Taiwo Afolabi, Tumininu Adeshina and Ajakaye came close on many occasions but Ajibo put up an outstanding display in goal to deny the hosts.

The visitors also had their  moments, with their best chance coming before the half time break when Kumneger Kebede hit the woodwork but the hosts held on firmly to guarantee their return to the showpiece after 2018 absence.

The Nigerian girls scored 15 goals in six qualifying matches without a defeat and conceding none.