Nigeria eligible striker, Vicky Lopez scored two late goals to complete a comeback and beat Japan 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India.

Scorers: Momoko Tanikawa 66’ Vicky Lopez 87’ 90+3’

This quarterfinal fixture was bound to be a poised encounter as Japan were yet to concede in the tournament and the defending champions Spain are hell bent on retaining their title.

Japan goalkeeper Toko Koga fouled Carlos Camacho in the box as the forward was through on goal.

Unfortunately, Spain squandered the chance to lead the game as Camacho fired her penalty over the cross bar in the 37th minute.

In the 66th minute, Momoko Tanikawa scored an absolute stunner as she volleyed the ball from 35 yards to give Japan a precious one goal lead.

Vicky Lopez came to rescue of Spain when her second attempted shot in the same gameplay found the back of the net and secured a vital equalizer for the Spaniards.

Lopez completed the comeback for Spain as she whizzed her way past the Japan defense to score a brilliant goal late in the game and reignite the Spain’s dream of defending their title.

The 16-year-old forward who is born in Spain to a Spanish father and Nigerian mother currently plays alongside her idol Asisat Oshoala for FC Barcelona Femeni.

She came into the spotlight after she scored 60 goals in 17 matches during the 2020–21 youth league season for the Real Madrid CFF youth team.

The teenager of Nigeria descent has already expressed her love for Nigeria and her idol Asisat Oshoala who she now plays alongside.

“Vicky loves Nigeria, she used to tell us back then. It’s funny because then, she told us meeting Asisat would be a dream come true for her. But now they are teammates.” – Former brand manager, Joshua King Dada said.

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