Nigeria maintained their impressive form at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, securing a 1-0 victory against the Dominican Republic in their final group-stage match at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. This win cemented their spot as group leaders and guaranteed them a place in the quarterfinals, with a flawless record of three wins from three games.
Read: Nigeria Qualifies for Round of 16 Spot at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Tactical Changes and a Goalless First Half
With their place in the next round already assured, Coach Bankole Olowookere took the opportunity to rotate his squad and make tactical changes for the match. He introduced Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue, and Ramotallahi Kareem into the starting lineup for their first appearances in the tournament. Regular starters like Oonyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong, and Harmony Chidi were rested but available on the bench.
Nigeria started the match on the front foot, and Aminat Moshood thought she had given her side an early lead in the 11th minute, slotting home after a brilliant assist from Kareem. However, the goal was disallowed, keeping the scoreline level.
The Flamingos continued to push for an opener, but Dominican Republic’s defense held firm. A rare lapse in concentration from Nigeria’s defense almost allowed Alexa Isabella Castro to score for the Dominican Republic, but her shot went wide.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance in possession and attacking play, with efforts from Moshood and Ifitezue being denied by Dominican goalkeeper Jaylene Rondon, the first half ended goalless. This marked the first time in the tournament that Nigeria failed to score in the first 45 minutes, thanks to a resolute defensive display by the Dominican Republic.
Second Half Breakthrough
The second half saw Nigeria continue to search for a breakthrough, but clear chances were hard to come by. In the 63rd minute, Coach Olowookere made a decisive double substitution, bringing on Effiong for Aishat Animashaun and Chidi for Kareem, in an attempt to add fresh energy to the attack.
The substitutions immediately made an impact. In the 72nd minute, Chidi whipped in a dangerous cross towards the far post, but fullback Taiwo Adegoke couldn’t convert the opportunity. The Flamingos came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 86th minute when Chidi connected with a header that rattled the woodwork.
Finally, in the 88th minute, Nigeria got the breakthrough they deserved. Aminat Moshood unleashed a spectacular long-range shot that flew into the net, leaving the Dominican goalkeeper with no chance. It was a moment of individual brilliance from Moshood, one of Nigeria’s standout performers throughout the tournament.
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Flamingos Finish Top of the Group
With the late goal, Moshood secured Nigeria’s victory and took her tally to four goals in three games, making her the tournament’s top scorer so far. The Flamingos held on to their lead in the closing minutes, including a tense moment when Ayoade Ibrahim narrowly avoided a red card after a last-ditch tackle was deemed fair by the referee.
Nigeria’s perfect group stage record means they finish top of Group A with nine points from three matches, advancing to the quarterfinals alongside reigning champions Spain. Only a handful of teams have won all their group-stage matches, highlighting the Flamingos’ dominance in this year’s competition.
Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals
Nigeria will face a tough test in the quarterfinals on Saturday when they face the United States. The Flamingos will carry forward the momentum from their undefeated run in the group stage and aim to continue their pursuit of the championship.
With its balance of tactical discipline, attacking flair, and defensive resilience, Nigeria has proven itself a formidable force in this tournament. Their impressive performances so far have raised hopes of another deep run in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup as they look to go beyond their bronze-medal finish in the previous edition.