The United States of America team scored once in each half to send Nigeria crashing out of the FIFA women’s under-17 World Cup with a 2-0 defeat in the quarter-final encounter at the Santiago de los Caballeros Stadium, Dominican Republic.
The Flamingos were more fancied but their opponents were tactically outstanding, with Kennedy Fuller and Kimmi Ascanio punishing Bankole Olowookere’s team.
The Americans stifled their Nigerian opponents’ usually creative midfield. They denied the attackers service and found joy in attacking from the wings.
Their perseverance paid off when Fuller evaded Shakirat Moshood and powered into the penalty area before the latter brought her down for a spot-kick awarded following a video assistant referee review.
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Fuller dusted herself up and converted for 1-0 to the USA on 43 minutes, taking the lead into the break.
Nigeria was presented the first big chance of the second half when a defensive mix-up allowed Taiwo Afolabi a good opening to equalize but her shot was saved by Evan Osteen, US goalkeeper.
The United States upped the ante and doubled their lead on 71 minutes. Ascanio slotted low into the bottom corner to seal their passage into the semi-finals while the Nigerian team crashed out of the tournament.
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