[Sport] Pray in support for Flamingoes in Costa Rica; Say's Mabo

Former Super Falcons' handler, Ismaila Mabo has stated that prayers and support of Nigerians are capable of taking the Flamingoes beyond the quarter final of the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica.

The country's team booked passage to the last eight with a game to spare after they defeated Colombia 2-1 in the early hours of Thursday but Mabo has informed Goal that on-field performances alone may not be sufficient for the Flamingoes.

"We are all happy that the Flamingoes are through to the quarter finals but they need the prayers and support of Nigerians to get beyond even the semi final this term. They have gladdened our hearts with their latest win but Nigerians must give them undivided support and also seek the face of God for them to excel even more," Mabo told Goal.

Despite needing all points to progress in the competition from Group D, Colombia's Angie Rodriguez shocked the Flamingoes with a third minute opener but Joy Bokiri's sublime 26th minute free kick cancelled the Central Americans' opening goal before Uchenna Kanu made sure the Africans were through to the quarter finals with a 59th minute header.

This is Flamingoes' third successive qualification for the quarter final of the cadet championships from four appearances. They got ditched in the first round of the maiden outing in 2008 in New Zealand but the team has always been among the quarter finalists since Trinidad and Tobago 2010 till date. Korea Republic punctured the nation's dream in 2010, France stood in Nigeria's way in 2012 in Azerbaijan.