Fans applaud Flamingos despite W’Cup exit

Football enthusiasts have taken to social media to commend Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team despite crashing out of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup  in the Dominican Republic, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Bankole Olowookere’s side suffered a 2-0 defeat to the United States of America in their quarter-final clash at the CFC Stadium, Santiago de los Caballeros, on Saturday, ending their quest for the much-coveted trophy.

Two goals from Katharine Fuller and Kimball Ascanio were enough to send the Flamingos packing, as the Americans avenged their 2022 quarterfinal loss to Nigeria.

Fuller put the Americans ahead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute before Ascanio doubled the lead in the 74th minute to seal victory for the three-time quarterfinalists.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s impressive run in the tournament. They had won all their group matches against New Zealand, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, a perfect record in the group stage for the third time in their history (2010, 2014, 2024—scoring nine goals and conceding just one).

The Flamingos, who achieved their best-ever finish of third place in India in 2022, aimed to surpass that record but faced a determined American side eager to reach their first semi-final since 2008.

Despite the defeat, fans applauded Olowookere and his charges for putting up a good fight against their American counterparts.
Jinadu Michael said, “Well done, girls. Raise your heads high and be proud; you did well and made your country proud; you fought till the end, and next time it’ll be better. We are proud of you.”
Shafi’i Hamidu wrote, “Well done, girls. We are still proud of your achievements. Keep your heads up.”

Youngmaster tweeted, “We tried! Kudos to the girls! … We’ll be back and better next time.”

Unhappy with the outcome of the game, Tonipre Saibolo urged the lads to keep working and improving.

“Sad that they left at this stage, but the cadet competitions are basically for exposure and experience. We’ve seen their potential; now is the time to keep the group and work on the improvements—a natural progression to the Falconets and ultimately the Falcons.”

Nathan wrote, “Great game, great performance. You lost to the better side, and we’re proud of you guys.”

Akinyemi Leo Mayana stated, “So sad, but we are proud of those girls.”
“I am pained. Congrats, girls; you made us proud; we will do better next outing,” Esekhalaye Emmanuel said.