U17 WWC: Queen Joseph Reveals Inspiration Behind Flamingos Dazzling Run
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria U17 winger Queen Joseph has revealed that the Flamingos are drawing inspiration from Argentina’s remarkable comeback at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as they prepare for the final of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos secured their place in the final with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semifinal in Sale, with Joseph opening the scoring in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru completed the rout with two goals in the 71st and 80th minutes.
Joseph said the Nigerian youngsters have taken encouragement from Argentina’s journey at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Lionel Messi’s side recovered from an opening defeat to Saudi Arabia before eventually lifting the trophy.
The winger believes the Flamingos can draw similar inspiration from that campaign as they chase their first-ever U17 Women’s World Cup title.
“We took the Argentina spirit from the 2022 World Cup after losing our first game. They came back and won the trophy, so we are hoping to God Almighty that we are going to win the trophy,” Joseph said.
The Nigerian youngster, who played a crucial role in the semifinal victory by breaking the deadlock against Brazil, described reaching the final as a special moment in her young career.
“I feel very happy. Playing in the final is a big privilege. Representing my country in the final is a big privilege for me.”
Joseph also expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stressing that their historic run in Morocco carries significance beyond Nigeria, as the players are conscious of representing the African continent.
“I’m super-proud of myself and my team because we made history. We are not here just representing Nigeria, we are here representing Africa as a whole.”
The Flamingos will now turn their attention to the final, where they have the opportunity to crown an impressive campaign by winning the country’s first FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup title when they square up against Japan on Sunday, November 8.
