Nigeria's Kemi Adegbuyi has said her first goal at the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup is only the start, after helping the Flamingos to a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico in Morocco on Tuesday. The result revived Nigeria's campaign following a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group game, according to Sports247 Nigeria. Adegbuyi struck in the middle of the first half and was named player of the match.
Precious Oscar added a second goal in stoppage time to seal the victory. The loss was Puerto Rico's second in a row, and Sports247 Nigeria reports that it ends their involvement in the tournament.
Why it matters
The three points keep Nigeria in the hunt for a place in the knockout rounds, but the schedule now offers the toughest possible test. The Flamingos face Korea DPR, the defending champions, in their final group match on Friday.
Korea DPR have scored 12 goals in two matches in Morocco. Sports247 Nigeria reports they beat Puerto Rico 6-0 and then defeated Poland 6-1 on Tuesday. Poland's earlier win over Nigeria means the group remains finely balanced heading into the last round of fixtures.
Adegbuyi's form is also significant for a young side that needed a response after losing its opener. A first tournament goal and a player-of-the-match award in the same game give Nigeria a focal point in attack against the strongest team in the group.
A first goal on the biggest stage
Adegbuyi, who came through FC Robo Queens of Lagos and last played on loan at Edo Queens in Benin City, described the match as difficult but was pleased with the outcome.
She said the team worked hard for the three points and that scoring her first goal at this level, at what she called the biggest stage of her life, left her happy and excited. She added that she believes this is only the beginning and promised to make her family and the whole country proud, Sports247 Nigeria reports.
The forward remained a threat after the break and came close to a second goal, sending an effort just over the bar from a corner. Her performance drew praise as Nigeria managed the game after taking the lead.
Upbeat despite the Korea DPR test
Korea DPR's scoring record makes Friday's fixture a daunting one, but Adegbuyi is staying positive about Nigeria's chances. Sports247 Nigeria reports that she expects the Flamingos to produce more in their remaining matches, starting with the meeting with the defending champions.
Her confidence rests partly on the team's response to its opening defeat. Having conceded a 2-1 loss to Poland, Nigeria needed a win to stay in contention and delivered it without conceding, a result that settles the squad before the group's decisive round.
The Flamingos are competing at the tournament hosted in Morocco, where the group stage concludes this week.
What to watch: whether Nigeria can carry Tuesday's momentum into Friday's match against Korea DPR and secure a place in the next round.
