Nigeria’s National Women U-17 team, the Flamingos on Tuesday afternoon returned to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, two days after they defeated Germany U-17 ladies in the third place of the just concluded FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.
The team received a warm reception from the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, a few hours after returning via the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport Abuja.
The Flamingo’s time in India was one filled with memories as they started on a losing note to Germany, whom they defeated in the third-place match.
The defeat spurred the young ladies into successive victories against other group members, New Zealand and Chile, setting up a clash against the USA in the quarter-finals.
At the quarter-finals, the Bankole Olowookere tutored side made history by defeating the USA and advancing to the next stage, the first time the Flamingos ever got to the semi-final.
However, the fine run came to an end via a penalty shootout in the semi-final stage when they lost to Colombia. The ladies however did not come back empty-handed as they secured bronze by defeating Germany on penalties in the third-place fixture on Sunday.
On arriving in Nigeria, the Flamingos were given a three million naira dummy cheque by Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa.