Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, have advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals following a commanding 4-0 victory over Ecuador at the Estadio Cibao in the Dominican Republic.
This marks the second consecutive match where Nigeria has netted four goals, securing their spot in the knockout stages with a game still to play.
Nigeria took the lead early when Shakira Moshood converted a penalty in the 28th minute after captain Taiwo Afolabi was fouled in the box.
The lead extended into the second half as Harmony Chidi doubled the score with a precise strike in the 54th minute. Chidi, the top scorer in the qualifiers, had an earlier goal ruled out by VAR but made her mark with this effort.
In the 66th minute, Nigeria capitalized on an error by Ecuador’s Maria Zambrano, whose miscommunication with goalkeeper Melany Pozo allowed Peace Effiong to tap the ball into an open net.
Moshood sealed the victory with her second goal of the match in stoppage time, assisted by Chidi Harmony, placing Nigeria top of their group with six points.
Reacting after the game, Coach Bankole Olowokere praised his team for their tactical discipline and thanked Nigerians for their support. He credited his players for overcoming their nerves and sticking to the game plan.
Harmony Chidi, who was named Player of the Match after scoring her first goal of the tournament and assisting Moshood’s second, expressed gratitude to her teammates, coaches, and God for their support.
Nigeria will face the host nation, the Dominican Republic, in their final group match on Wednesday, 23rd November.