Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, The Flamingos kicked off their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a superb 4-1 win over New Zealand at the Estadio Cibao on Wednesday night.
After securing bronze in the last edition, the Flamingos have set their sights on an even stronger performance this year. They wasted no time showing their intent, with Shakirat Moshood striking within the first two minutes, assisted by Harmony Chidi.
Khadijat Adegoke soon doubled Nigeria’s lead with a stunning long-range shot, following an assist from Faridat Abdulwahab. Minutes later, Abdulwahab got her name on the scoresheet with a powerful right-footed effort from outside the box after a well-placed corner by Moshood.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance and 19 attempts on goal, they couldn’t increase their lead before the halftime whistle. But 10 minutes into the second half, Taiwo Afolabi headed in Nigeria’s fourth goal, courtesy of an assist from Adegoke.
New Zealand managed to pull one back from a corner, with Hannah Saxon’s shot finding the bottom corner of Christiana Uzoma’s goal, but the Kiwis were largely outplayed throughout the match. Nigeria continued to create chances but couldn’t add to the scoreline, which remained 4-1 until full-time.
The victory puts Nigeria at the top of Group A, ahead of the upcoming clash between hosts Dominican Republic and Ecuador. A win in their next match against Ecuador on Saturday, October 19, would guarantee Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations at this tournament.
Elsewhere, defending champions Spain secured a 3-1 win over the United States, who are still chasing their first title at this level.
