Nigeria’s U17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, continued their dominant form at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, securing a spot in the quarterfinals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Ecuador on Saturday, Sports247 reports.
The win, combined with their earlier 4-1 triumph over New Zealand, sees the Flamingos with eight goals scored and only one conceded across their first two matches.
The game’s turning point came in the 26th minute when Shakirat Moshood, who had already made her mark with a rapid goal against New Zealand, coolly converted a penalty after captain Taiwo Afolabi was fouled in the box.
Despite Ecuador’s goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez making several impressive saves, including a crucial stop against Peace Effiong in the 18th minute, she couldn’t keep out Moshood’s well-placed strike.
Effiong, determined to get on the scoresheet, was denied again by Rodriguez’s quick reflexes later in the first half. As Nigeria pressed for more, Harmony Chidi, the team’s top scorer in the qualifiers, hit the crossbar just before halftime.
The Flamingos’ relentless attacking paid off in the second half when Chidi finally found the back of the net in the 54th minute, cleverly finishing off a pass from Aishat Animashaun.
Minutes later, Effiong capitalized on a poor clearance from Ecuador’s substitute goalkeeper, Pozo, to score her first goal of the tournament, sealing Nigeria’s dominance.
Moshood completed the rout in stoppage time with a composed finish after a pinpoint pass from Chidi, capping off another impressive performance from the Nigerian side.
With six points and eight goals, Nigeria has already secured its place in the quarterfinals ahead of their final group-stage match against host nation, the Dominican Republic, on Tuesday night.
The Flamingos look set to continue their impressive campaign as they aim for World Cup glory.
