Fifa Women Under-17 World Cup: Spain Downs Nigeria 3 - 0

Fifa Women Under-17 World Cup: Spain Downs Nigeria 3 - 0 Bada Akintunde Fifa Women Under-17 World Cup: Spain Downs Nigeria 3 - 0

Nigeria's Flamingoes looked clueless and tardy as they were dismantled 3-0 by Spain in the quarterfinal of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup.

The result ended a seven-match unbeaten run for Nigeria at the tournament dating back to 2012, and fell one match short of the record sequence established by Japan between 2010 and 2012.

Nigeria were favourites coming into the game, but saw their wings clipped by a Spanish side which looked like they had spent more than enough time studying their opponents.

Uchenna Kanu and Aminat Yakubu, Nigeria's biggest threats from wide, were smothered and the Spanish side's intense pressing exploited Nigeria's technical deficiencies.

Guijarron converted from the penalty spot just before the quarter-hour mark after Nigeria’s Ugochi Emenayo tripped Andrea Falcon who was running into the penalty area at speed.

Nahikari Garcia could easily have doubled the margin but she fired over from near the penalty spot after latching onto a ball fired into the penalty area.

Spain’s Laura Dominguez powered in a low shot that was pushed around the near post by Nigeria goalkeeper Onyinyechukwu Okeke who had been by far the busier of the two shot-stoppers.

After the break the silky-skilled Laura Dominguez set up Nahikari Garcia but Onyinyechukwu Okeke diffused a dangerous moment.

Spain doubled their advantage just prior to the hour mark with Laura Dominguez once again setting up Nahikari Garcia this time with a through pass which saw the latter hold off a defender and beats the advancing goalkeeper.

The match went out of sight with 20 minutes remaining as a fierce strike from Sandra Herndandez from a 45 degree angle burst through the hands of Onyinyechukwu Okeke, and Patri Guijarron was there to force the ball home from close range.

Spain will face Italy, who beat Ghana 4-3 on penalties, for a berth in the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup Final.

Posted by Hodie J