13th September, 2010
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.