Nigeria’s Flamingos draw Ethiopia clash

The Flamingos battled to a 1-1 draw in the second round, first leg 2018 U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

Joy Jerry put Nigeria in front after 20 minutes as they struggled to cope with the biting weather.

The cold affected the Flamingos even more in the second half, and in the 62nd minute, the Ethiopians achieved parity with a free-kick from 35 metres that surprisingly beat Nigeria goalkeeper Christian Obia.

“The weather did not help but I don’t like to give excuses for my team’s performance,.

“We have to work very hard when we return to Nigeria, ahead of the return leg. We must be more potent in attack and find a way to curtail the Ethiopians.” Nigeria coach Bala Nikyu said.

The Flamingos’ delegation, led by former (NFF) Board Member, ranking member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the (NFF) Women’s Football Committee, Hon. Ayo Omidiran will return to Nigeria on Monday.