Flamingos go out of World Cup fighting

Tonight, The Flamingos fought to the bitterest end, but found the USA a bridge too far as they exited the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The Nigerian girls were gallant in defeat, but they did not have their shooting boots on the night.

For the USA, it was a sweet revenge after Nigeria edged past them via penalties at the same quarterfinal stage two years ago in India.

The USA went ahead in the 43^rd minute through a penalty tucked away by Kennedy Fuller after Shakirat Moshood fouled inside the box and VAR confirmed the offence.

The Flamingos dictated play and created the better chances in the first period but were not clinical where it mattered most.

Top striker Harmony Chidi came close twice, but just could not hit the back of the net.

It was the same story after the interval before the Americans got the goal that killed the game in the 77^th minute.

USA continued to pile on the pressure for more goals in the closing minutes.