The Flamingos of Nigeria continued their stellar run at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Ecuador in their second group-stage match at the Cibao Stadium, Dominican Republic. This victory not only marked their second consecutive win in the tournament but also secured their place in the Round of 16 with a game to spare.
First-half Dominance and Early Breakthrough
The Nigerian team, who previously thrashed New Zealand 4-1, entered the match with momentum, and coach Bankole Olowookere retained the same starting lineup. The match began with a flurry of Nigerian attacks, and in the 11th minute, Harmony Chidi forced Ecuador’s goalkeeper, Maria Rodriguez, into a fine save with a fierce shot. The Flamingos pressed on and were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute after captain Taiwo Afolabi was brought down by Ecuador’s Maite Zambrano.
Nigeria’s Shakirat Moshood stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Nigeria a deserved lead. Despite continued pressure from Nigeria, with Peace Effiong and Chidi coming close to extending the lead, the Flamingos went into halftime with a narrow 1-0 advantage.
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Second-Half Brilliance
The second half saw Nigeria pick up where they left off, dominating possession and applying relentless pressure. Chidi, who had a goal disallowed for offside earlier, finally doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 54th minute with a low shot following a brilliant pass from Aishat Animashaun.
Five minutes later, Ecuador’s defensive frailties were exposed again when Peace Effiong capitalized on a miscommunication between goalkeeper Melany Pozo and her defenders to slot the ball into an empty net, making it 3-0 for Nigeria. Effiong’s goal, a result of Ecuador’s poor control of a back pass, effectively ended the contest.
Moshood Seals the Victory in Stoppage Time
As the match neared its conclusion, the Flamingos maintained their attacking intensity. In stoppage time, Moshood added her second goal of the game, sealing a 4-0 win and taking her tournament tally to three goals. Her second strike was the icing on the cake after a well-timed pass from Chidi, securing her status as one of Nigeria’s key players in the tournament.
Ecuador managed some late pressure, and their best chance came when Nigerian goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma misjudged a corner, allowing Mary Guerra a shot on goal, but Taiwo Adegoke cleared the ball off the line to preserve Nigeria’s clean sheet.
Nigeria on Top of Group A
With this emphatic victory, the Flamingos now sit comfortably at the top of Group A, with six points from two matches. Their win over Ecuador and a draw between New Zealand and the Dominican Republic have ensured their qualification for the Round of 16.
Coach Bankole Olowookere and his team will face the host nation, the Dominican Republic, in their final group game, knowing that a positive result will further strengthen their position heading into the knockout stages. The Flamingos have demonstrated exceptional form, scoring eight goals in two matches and conceding only once, making them one of the favorites to go deep into the tournament.
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Player of the Match: Taiwo Afolabi
Midfielder and captain Taiwo Afolabi was named the Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution to their dominant performance. Her ability to control the midfield and orchestrate attacks played a pivotal role in the Flamingos’ success.
Looking Ahead
With the Round of 16 now secured, the Flamingos will aim to continue their impressive run in the tournament. Having already shown their ability to score freely and defend resolutely, the Nigerian team will be one to watch as they seek to surpass their previous achievement of winning a bronze medal at the 2022 edition of the tournament. Their next match against the Dominican Republic will be crucial as they look to build even more momentum heading into the knockout stages.