Onyeka Gamero, in tears as she gave a post-match interview, has said the USA were simply unlucky to fall on penalties to the Flamingoes in an U17 World Cup quarterfinal.
Emotional interview from Onyeka Paloma Gamero after USA's loss to Nigeria!
— AfroBallers (@afroballers) October 22, 2022
Born to a Nigerian Father, the young & talented girl was a problem for Nigeria all through the game. Definitely has a big future ahead of her! 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/REYyvKPWuf
The Flamingoes reached their first-ever U17 World Cup semifinal 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 in regulation time with highly fancied USA.
Onyeka herself assisted for USA equaliser in the first half and even had another effort cleared off the goalline by Miracle Usani.
The exciting forward, whose father is Nigerian, said USA did enough to go through but would instead now be heading home.
USA had 24 shots on target as against seven by Nigeria and they enjoyed more than 60% of the ball possession.
“We were unlucky,” a very emotional Onyeka said after the game.
“But this is how soccer works.”
However, she is hopeful the team keep working hard to get another opportunity to represent the USA.
“I am very grateful to my teammates and coaches,” Onyeka said.
“I hope we get another opportunity to play against other nations, I hope everybody continues so that we can see each other again.”
