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FIFA U-17 WWC: Historic semi-final berth excite Flamingos trio after USA ouster
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria U17 trio of Omamuso Edafe, Alvine Dah Zossu and Miracle Usani have recounted their excitements after inspiring the country to a first ever semifinal stage at the ongoing FIFA 17 Women’s World Cup in India on Friday.
Edafe converted two penalties during 90 minutes and shootouts to propel the (Flamingos into the last four of the tournament, with a 4-3 win on penalties over the United States of America following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The progression of the team to semifinal marks the first in Nigeria’s history in the tournament, and now becomes the second African side to achieve the feat.
Edafe, who was the heroine of the match, having netted the winner from the spot, admits: “I wasn’t under pressure because I believe in God and myself that we can win the game and make Nigeria proud.
“We have the confidence of getting to the final and traveling back to Nigeria with the title.” Edafe said in an interview followed by nigeriafootball.ng on NFFTV.
The Flamingos had executed their last two matches without the service of their captain Zossu due to a knock and is now set to make a return in the semi-final clash with either Colombia or Tanzania.
And the new Rivers Angels signing is in cloud nine after achieving the elusive feat of reaching the semi-final.
S”We feel very happy and excited because this is the first time that the U-17 Women’s team will make it to the semi-final of the World Cup,” said the former Osun Babes star.
When the pressure was on us from the USA, my mind was shaking, and just prayed that God which brought us this far will see us through.
“We have what it takes to move further into the final. I am so excited because I have missed two matches due to a knock but I am excited to be back for the next two games. I want to thank my teammates for giving their best on the field of play in my absence.”
During the penalty shoot-out, Miracle Usani had initially missed her spot kick before she was called back to retake the penalty after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted USA goalkeeper, Valentina Amaral was spotted to have crossed the line while saving the kick.
Miracle Usani redeemed herself by converting the penalty kick to Nigeria’s advantage.
“I am so happy, excited, and grateful to God for the victory,” says Usani.
“When I initially missed the penalty, I was not happy but when the referee asked me to retake the penalty, I was happy and knew that I can redeem myself.”
In the end, Nigerian goalkeeper, Linda Jiwaku saved USA captain, Riley Jackson’s penalty before Omamuzo Edafe scored Nigeria’s deciding spot kick.
Nigeria will face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Colombia and Tanzania.
A semifinal win for Nigeria in Goa will set another African record as no African side has made it to the final of the tournament.
Ghana won the bronze medal in the previous edition in Azerbaijan 2012, becoming to most successful African team at the competition.
