Flamingos kept the Colombians at bay in regulation time but were dumped out of the competition in the resultant penalty shootout
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the elimination of the Nigerian Under-17 female team known better as the Flamingos at the semi-finals stage of the junior female World Cup in India.
Despite keeping the South Americans at bay in regulation time, the Nigerian girls were eventually dumped out of the competition in the resultant penalty shootout.
The Flamingos had beaten the tournament favourites, USA, to reach the semi-final berth and Nigeria fans were hoping they will progress to the final.
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But after they failed to reach their first finals, some Nigerians took to social media to vent their frustration on the Nigerian coach, Bankole Olowookere for his poor technical depth.
While some pointed accusing fingers at the Ibrahim Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as well as defender Josephine Edafe, who missed one of the penalties.
However, some netizens believed the feat was an improvement for the West Africans, who were participating in the semi-final for the first time.
A netizen, identified as @ZikoraIkpeazu wrote, “It was all kick-and-follow. I refuse to believe these are the best U17 girls of Nigerian descent.”
Another internet user, @anny_asuquo who believed the girls were timid said, “Really sad they couldn’t progress, played with a lot of timidity, and couldn’t put two-three passes together.
“Well, had the chance to have gone through with the penalty kick but lost that as well. I really don’t think they have a chance with Spain or Germany. All the same, well done!”
An angry IG user @emmanue09330024, added, “Nonsense! They didn’t deserve to win, coached awfully, and played trash. Only central defense with the goalkeeper tried.
“I feel like crying, hate the fact that the Colombians eliminated the two African countries that sound bad.”
Another Nigerian, @CNdeke, who blamed NFF for their ouster said, “NFF officials should stay away from the teams. They seem to create unnecessary pressure and distractions.
“These young ladies don’t deserve the negativity, nor does the coaching crew. It’s a great result for the female team, and hopefully, it will continue. Kudos Flamingos.”
While @osadebe2003 wrote “Kudos to the girls for having gotten this far, but that team lacked technical depth.
No technical input from the coaching crew when it was apparent most of the girls were tired and needed fresh legs. The Colombians deserved to win, they were by far the better team.”