It took just 11 minutes for ever so charming Chidi Harmony to profit from a poor back pass to power Nigeria ahead in what would eventually be a ruthless rout against Burkina Faso in the penultimate round of U-17 World Cup qualifiers in Abuja this weekend.
It was a compelling performance by Bankole’s Babes who took no quarters. The victory was one thing but the manner in which it was attained portrayed a team of young ladies all singing from the same hymn book.
Okay, the Flamingos gave the ball away in dangerous defensive places at times which could have been punished by a more formidable opponent. Some of their throw-in routines were inadequate as they fell harmlessly into opposition hands. The freekicks given to them (and executed by Taiwo Afolabi) were often gathered comfortably by the Burkinabe goalie and Nigeria's corner kick routines with two players passing to each other before launching a cross became predictable and stale. They were way too narrow at times in their offensive forays without taking much advantage of width, leading to low spatial awareness.
It was also very frustrating to see Chidi Harmony, who would gain fame in the match with a fabulous hat-trick, mistime her run and stray offside on occasions. In one instance, Effiong elected to shoot at goal after a marauding run (which the goalkeeper easily gathered) with Harmony moving cloak and dagger into a dangerous area to stab home, which called to question Effiong’s questionable decision making approach in key situations. Effiong would also miss a sitter when put though on goal with a delightful through pass by the impressive number 14 winger Kudirat. In fact, Effiong missed a number to telling chances, often 1-1 with the goalkeeper, to add to her goal tally.
However, overall, the Flamingos still delivered the goods across several levels. They moved the ball along at fine pace – often on grass with clever runs buttressed by swift and purposeful passing routines – to dominate play, dictate the tempo and impose their will on the opposition. Their long balls from deep were delightful leading to goal scoring moments. They also launched some audacious long shots which kept the Burkinabe defence on its toes.
In all, the players were all very impressive in the execution of their duties.
The first half was a bit cagey as the Burkinabes tried to balance defence and offensive responsibilities. However, as the game was slowly slipping through their fingers, Burkina Faso became more adventurous offensively which created space at their rear that Nigeria exploited mercilessly. Nigeria had two penalty shouts which seemed very compelling on first viewing but the referee offered no dice.
However all the goals were fabulous!
After Burkina Faso defenders had been asleep on the wheel for Harmony to steal behind and make it 1:0 in 11 minutes, Effiong made it 2:0 in 34 minutes after Abidemi’s tantalising through pass freed her to run, stumble, regain her footing and smash home.
Abidemi’s fiendish shot would crash the bar before Harmony took up a great position to profit off the rebound and head home with brutal intentions to make it 3:0 in 73 minutes. The same Harmony would turn provider in 83 minutes with a glorious high through ball from midfield for Ramota to ram though the goalie and whallop into an empty net for 4:0.
It was now Ramota’s turn to turn supplier in 85 minutes after she generously fed it on a plate for Harmony to stab home a low volley for her hat trick for it to be 5:0.
The icing on the cake was arguably the peak of the bunch as Effiong evaded 2 machete hack jobs to cut across 2 defenders and smash home from just inside the 18 yard box to make it 6:0 on the night. She is now the joint second highest goal scorer of the qualifying series with 6 goals to her name.
Needless to say Bankole’s girls did the business in style. They were physically imposing and tactically tuned in. They pulled together and played for each other. The sense of purpose and direction was evident; a healthy number of exceptional players like Ramota, Harmony, Effiong, Arogundare, and Afolabi, to mention a few, shone like a million stars .
Next stop? Probably Senegal in June. It will be tough to be honest but these players have it in them to go all the way.
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