Nigeria’s Flamingos beat hosts Ethiopia 1-0 on Friday, with striker Opeyemi Ajakaiye taking her goals tally to six in the ongoing FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifying series.

In the final round first leg match at the Abebe Bekila Stadium in Addis Ababa, both sides failed to make hay from a number of opportunities in the first half-hour.

But Ajakaiye struck in the 36th minute after she was put through by midfielder Taiwo Afolabi.

The goal meant Ajakaiye has scored in each of the Flamingos’ five matches so far in the qualifying series.

This includes a brace against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 5-0 spanking in Benin City.

Omowunmi Bello, who scored three of the goals in Nigeria’s 6-0 aggregate thumping of Egypt in the earlier round, came close to increasing her own tally in the campaign too.

But her 35-yard shot could only rock the upright in the 50th minute.

Kumneger Kebede, Emush Daniel and Bethelem Germa all had chances to equalise for the hosts in the second period.

But they could not subdue an unyielding Nigerian rearguard, and an inspired goalkeeper Faith Omilana who had an excellent game.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both teams will clash again at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on June 4.

The winners on aggregate will qualify as one of Africa’s three representatives at the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup finals in India. (NAN)

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