The Flamingos of Nigeria defeated Benin Republic 2-0 in the second semi-final of the WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup on Thursday night at the Ghana Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
Forward Mary Lucky Mkpa scored from the penalty spot in the 70th minute to put Nigeria in front, eight minutes after gangling striker Janet Akekoromowei had missed a great opportunity to put the Flamingos ahead.
Eight minutes after the first goal, Peace Effiong capitalized on a goalkeeping error to double Nigeria’s lead. However, Akekoromowei’s 84th-minute effort was disallowed by the referee, who ruled that the forward had obstructed the goalkeeper before finding the net.
The Flamingos reached the final having scored 14 goals in three matches, conceding only two, and will now face Ghana who defeated Cote d’Ivoire 5-0 earlier in the afternoon to reach Sunday’s final.
