Ruthless Flamingoes Crush Chile

Nigeria’s Flamingoes cruised to a 5-0 win over Chile early todayto claim the top spot and  log three wins from as many starts in Group A of the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women World Cup in  Trinidad&Tobago.

With Chile already eliminated, both teams changed their line-ups, but the African  representatives never lost control and held a two-goal margin at the interval.

Striker Loveth Ayila, fresh from grabbing a late winner against Trinidad and Tobago, proved  the star turn once again by hitting a hat-trick in the entertaining match.

Nigeria dominated from the beginning, and though Ngozi Okobi was denied by a superb block  from defender Yorky Arriagada, the breakthrough appeared inevitable. It arrived on 15  minutes as Okobi’s well-hit free-kick proved too hot for goalkeeper Veronica Saez; Francisca  Ordega followed up to convert an easy chance.

Ordega then came close to doubling her own tally but her superb run and shot was blocked  impressively at the death by defender Yocelyn Cisternas. Chile had a rare moment of hope in  attack just past the half-hour mark, but striker Francisca Moroso’s crossed shot was held by  Ibijoke Sangonuga.

Nigeria extended their lead four minutes from the interval with Ayila converting after  taking advantage of an inch-perfect cross by the lively Ordega. Soon after the break, the  pair combined again, and after an exchange of passes, Ayila raced clear of the defence to  finish past an exposed Saez. Ayila completed her treble on 72 minutes as she fired her  effort through a forest of legs from within the penalty area.