The Flamingos Striker Chinwe Ihezuo scored a hat-trick for the Nigeria U17 Women team to edge past tough Spanish Sporting Huelva for a 3-2 victory in an international friendly in Portugal.
The Coach Bala Nkiyu-tutored girls stated their resilience as they pull through for another victory despite their Spanish opponent’s coming back twice at the Browns Hotel Football arena in Faro, Portugal.
The Nigeria contingents continued their impressive run in a 19-day training tour in Portugal ahead of the FIFA U17 women World Cup in Costa Rica from March 15th to April 5th.
Pelican Stars forward Chinwe Ihezuo who was a standout in the encounter put the Nigeria U17 women in front with her breakthrough in the 13th minute and doubled the lead at five minutes from the break.
The Flamingoes’ lead was reduced in the 43rd minute when the Spanish side pulled one back to keep the score line 2-1 at half time in favour of Nigeria.
However, the Spanish visitors powered home the second five minute into the second half through forward Martin Prieto as they held out to deny the Nigerian side any victory.
Disappointingly, Sporting Huelva met their awful moment when the unstoppable Azerbaijan2012 silver boot winner breezed past the Spanish club side’s defense to secure the much-expected winner and her hat trick of the day.
Speaking after the game, hat–trick scoring hero, Chinwe Ihezuo has reaffirmed her resolve to help the Flamingoes to reach the finals of the Costa Rica U17 FIFA World Cup.
In his post match reaction, head coach of the Nigeria U17 women; Bala Nkiyu commended the Nigeria women for their resilience, while admitting a tough encounter, however he stated that they are prepared for the World Cup.
“I’m happy with the performance of the ladies. We had a good test against the Spanish club and good account of ourselves there are many positives although we have some areas we will continue to improve on and get stronger.
“The sixteen teams in the competition won’t field angels or prophets as we are preparing like this. So for the World Cup, I think we are prepared,” Nkiyu said.
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