Nigeria’s Flamingos earned a handsome 4-0 win over Ecuador on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals of the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic in style.
The Nigerian side’s performance underlined their third-place finish at the last edition of the finals was no fluke.
With the 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first match on Wednesday, the Flamingos have now gathered the maximum six points in their first two matches.
They have scored eight goals and conceded only one, and are in the last eight ahead of their final group phase encounter against host nation Dominican Republic on Tuesday.
Playmaker Shakirat Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, opened scores for the team.
She sent goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty kick spot in the 26th minute, after team captain Taiwo Afolabi was impeded in the box.
Peace Effiong, who had seen her shot thwarted by Rodriguez’s right leg in the 18th minute, was disconcerted to see her effort again foiled by the big goalkeeper on the half hour.
Harmony Chidi, scorer of 13 goals in the qualifying series, rocked the crossbar just before the half-time whistle as Nigeria, once more, broke forward.
In the second half, Chidi finally found her first goal of the tournament, picking her spot cleverly in the 54th minute to score after a pass by Aishat Animashaun.
Peace Effiong took the cue, to also score her first goal of the competition, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo.
Nigeria got its fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to lash home after Chidi found her from the right.
The Flamingos will take on the host nation on Tuesday night in their final group phase game, but a place in the last eight is already assured.
