Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, held Mexico to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match on Monday, serving as a key warm-up ahead of the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. The match, which took place in the build-up to the tournament, provided a glimpse into the form and readiness of the Nigerian side.
Faridat Abdulkareem put the Flamingos in the lead in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on a well-orchestrated attacking move. The goal showcased Nigeria’s offensive capabilities, as the team looked sharp and determined in the first half. However, Mexico responded just before the halftime whistle, equalizing in the 42nd minute, and bringing the game to a 1-1 stalemate.
The Flamingos are now set to begin their World Cup journey in Group A, where they will face hosts Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand. Their opening match will be against New Zealand on the 16th of October. This friendly draw against a strong Mexican side is expected to boost the team’s morale ahead of the competition.
Having finished in third place during the previous FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, the Flamingos are determined to build on their impressive performance and aim for an even higher finish this time. Their preparations have been focused, and the team’s tactical approach is being fine-tuned by the coaching staff to ensure a successful tournament campaign.
The friendly match result highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement for the Flamingos as they gear up for the global stage. Fans in Nigeria and across the continent will be eagerly watching to see how the team fares in this year’s competition.
REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.
