Flamingos Secure Resounding 4-1 Victory Over New Zealand In U17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s Flamingos kicked off their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-1 triumph over New Zealand in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday. The victory earned the team three crucial points as they eye progression to the knockout stages.
The Nigerian side took control of the match from the very start, with Shakirat Moshood netting one of the fastest goals in the competition’s history. Her strike came just 80 seconds after kick-off, as she skilfully navigated through the New Zealand defence to give Nigeria an early lead at the CFC Stadium.
Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure, with Faridat Abdulwahab almost doubling the advantage seven minutes later when her powerful shot from 23 yards out rattled the crossbar. However, in the 13th minute, the Flamingos did manage to extend their lead. Defender Taiwo Adegoke fired a long-range effort that was mishandled by the New Zealand goalkeeper, allowing the ball to cross the line. A check with the Video Assistant Referee confirmed the goal, putting Nigeria 2-0 up.
The Nigerian side remained relentless, with Moshood again testing the New Zealand goalkeeper in the 17th minute, forcing a save. Peace Effiong missed a chance to add to the tally shortly after, shooting over the bar from close range. Despite New Zealand’s attempts to rally, Harmony Chidi was also denied by the opposing goalkeeper in the 26th minute after a close encounter.
Captain Taiwo Afolabi further extended Nigeria’s lead in the 28th minute with a stinging shot, but it was Abdulwahab who capitalised on the ensuing corner kick, elegantly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
The Flamingos continued their dominance in the second half, adding a fourth goal eight minutes after the restart. Afolabi headed home a well-placed cross from Adegoke, sending the ball looping over the goalkeeper to give Nigeria a commanding 4-0 lead.
New Zealand managed to pull one back in the 60th minute, with Saxon converting a well-executed corner kick. Her swift turn and shot past Nigerian goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma gave the team from Down Under a consolation goal.
Although Chidi was denied once again in the 75th minute, Nigeria finished the match in control and will now turn their attention to their next fixture. The Flamingos face tournament debutants Ecuador on Saturday, where another victory could secure their place in the knockout rounds.
The Nigerian squad will be eager to build on their strong start as they chase further success in the competition.
