Flamingoes secure double win over Black Maidens

Nigeria U-17 girls gave their preparation for the 2014 FIFA U17 World Cup in Costa Rica a real boost after a 5-1 aggregate victory over the Ghana U-17 women national team, the Black Maidens, in a two-leg international friendly completed on Sunday.
The Flamingoes travelled to Accra with a 3-0 aggregate lead from the first leg at the FIFA Goal Project Centre in Abuja.
The Flamingoes kept their victory intact when they secured a late 2-1 victory at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana.
The U-17 girls started the game on a bright note from kick off time, with Aku Cynthia Onyedikachi giving the Flamingoes their first goal of the match in the fifth minute of the match, a goal which saw the Black Maidens trail 1-0 at half time.
As expected, the second half started fast and furious after the home team made some changes to their starting line-up.
The Coach Bala Nkiyu-led wards later brought in Amina Yakubu for Ikechukwu Vivian.
Meanwhile, the recharged Ghana girls grabbed a leveler through Lilly Nibe, just five minutes into the second half.
However, Ajibade Rashidat planted the winning goal for Nigeria in the 83rd minute to complete the double victory over their West African foes.
Speaking after the game, Coach of the Nigeria U-17 national team, Bala Nkiyu, expressed confidence in the Flamingoes winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Costa Rica.
He also stated that the two-leg victory over Ghana is a preparatory friendly game for both countries.
He however tipped the fellow representatives, Ghana and Zambia, for success at the World Cup, insisting that better preparation could see any of the African nations emerge champions at the competition.
Nkiyu said: “I’m happy for the victory, though a double win over Ghana is not the ultimate as the friendly was meant to be a preparatory game for World Cup.
“I believe Ghana and Zambia will do well at the World Cup.
“We cannot write off any team for the World Cup as good preparation in terms of tactics, skills and strength will help his wards challenge against any team.
On Flamingoes’ readiness for the World Cup, Nkiyu said: “I am sure by the next three weeks after intensive training, we will be ready for World Cup.
“We must continue to improve to succeed at the World Cup.”