Nigeria’s women U-17 team Flamingos are on the edge of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup in India after they edged their East African counterpart Ethiopia 1-0 in the first leg of their final qualification series at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa on Friday. 

Striker Opeyemi Ajakaiye scored the only goal of the encounter in the 36th minute after she was put through on goal by Taiwo Afolabi. The goal was the sixth for Ajakaiye in the qualifying series.

It also means the FC Robo Queens striker has found the back of the net in all of the five games she has been involved in during the qualifying series. 

Kumneger Kebede, Emush Daniel and Bethelem Germa all had chances to equalise for Ethiopia in the second half but the Nigerians held on for the win despite the intense pressure. 

The team’s qualification to the World Cup can be confirmed when both sides clash for the return leg on June 4 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Three African countries will qualify for the World Cup in India billed to hold from Tuesday October 11 to Sunday October 30.