Brief Observation: Nigeria Vs Brazil (3:1)

JOB DONE! Our Flamingos have done it. Nigeria defeat Brazil 3-1 to advance to the Final of the U17 Women’s World Cup for the FIRST TIME EVER and would now face Japan in the Final.

From Bronze in 2022 to now just one step away from winning the Trophy, history awaits; I can't wait!!!

However way you look at it, the scoreline itself is mind-blowing! Overcoming mighty Brazil, overcoming Brazil convincingly, calmly, cruelly is definitely one for the ages.

In this match, our goalkeeper continued to be impressive, pulling off pristine saves when the team was under siege earlier on. The defensive apparatus as well held firm with tackles, interceptions, markings and last ditch displacements whenever Brazil were through on goal.

The free kicks were often poor. If they work on, it would be another superb string in their bow.

I was going to criticise their penchant for launching needles long-range strikes but it did produce a sublime goal from the left flank where the player had no business shooting from there.

A number of their crosses were too close to the opposition goalkeeper and , let's face it, several lacked the requisite quality.

Again, on the night, our defence looked feeble earlier on. But for last ditch tackles and fine positioning from our goalie, it could have been another story.

Our players were deadly, deadly in counter-attacks, leading to at least two instances of our striker being 1v1 against the Brazil goalkeeper who stood tall to keep us out on both occasions. Also, I thought our strikers should really have buried those chances with better goal scoring technique.

Despite the hellzapoppin framework that defines their unrefined approach, these impressively focused, unflinchingly determined young ladies have made history, and they have it in them to reach the summit of greatness.

Good luck to the Flamingos and their coaching crew in the final!