FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingoes in flight test with Brazil today

Nigeria’s Flamingoes will today open their campaign at the fifth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup against the Samba girls from Brazil.

Interestingly, Nigeria has never missed any of the editions of the cadet championship since inauguration in 2008.

Jordan 2016 kicked off on Friday with one of the African representatives, the young Lionesses of Cameroon losing 2-3 to Canada in a group C game.

The Flamingoes will battle with the Brazilians at 2pm Nigerian time at the King Abdullah II International Stadium, Amman.

Nigeria has lost only two of its 15 games played so far with nine wins and four draws, while the Flamingoes have never lost their opening game in the competition.

The only time Nigeria recorded a draw in the opener was at Azerbaijan 2012 when it forced Canada to a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria’s only meeting with Brazil was at New Zealand 2008 when goals from Ebere Orji and Amarachi Okoronkwo forced Brazil to a 2-2 draw.

Speaking ahead of today’s match, coach of the Flamingoes, Bala Nikyu, said his team will approach every game with utmost seriousness.

“We have been in camp working hard towards making our mark at this World Cup. Nigeria has always been participating in this category of the Women’s World Cup and we don’t want to replicate past mistakes. We want to do well and surpass previous records,” Nikyu said at a pre-match press conference in Amman.

Nigeria’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade said the Flamingoes are in a confident mood ahead of today’s game and are targeting to perform well, rewrite history and go far in the competition.